First Super Eagles call-up: Eric Chelle opens Nigeria door for Isaac James

Isaac James is set to receive his first senior Super Eagles call-up after Eric Chelle turned to the 22-year-old Alverca defender, Soccernet.ng reports.

James' debut invitation comes as Super Eagles boss Chelle looks for another left-back option following Zaidu Sanusi's injury.

Portuguese newspaper Record reports that James will be invited for Nigeria's September 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

James has been on Chelle's radar and has made a strong start to the 2026/27 Primeira Liga season. He has started all six of Alverca's league matches, playing 514 minutes and providing two assists. His latest appearance came in the 3-1 win at Nacional on September 12.

The defender's versatility has also helped his case. James can play at left-back, left wing-back or as a left-sided centre-back, giving Chelle another option in a position affected by Sanusi's absence.

Super Eagles and Alverca defender Isaac James. Photo by IMAGO

Sanusi suffered a right adductor injury during Porto's 3-0 win over Académico de Viseu on August 29. He was forced off after 17 minutes and is expected to spend about two months on the sidelines.

Bruno Onyemaechi is still expected to compete for the left-back role, but James' call-up gives Chelle a new option ahead of the qualifiers.

Isaac James: From France and Portugal to Super Eagles

James' route to the Super Eagles began with Garden City Panthers in Nigeria before he earned a trial at French club Lorient.

He first spent 15 days on trial with Danish club FC Midtjylland in 2021 before travelling to France. He impressed Lorient during a friendly against US Avranches, where he had been asked to play for Avranches because they needed a left-back.

Lorient subsequently signed him and placed him in their reserve setup. Visa problems delayed his competitive debut until December 2022, but he eventually moved into the first-team picture.

Super Eagles and Alverca defender Isaac James. Photo by IMAGO

James made his professional debut for Lorient against Grenoble in Ligue 2 on August 24, 2024, coming on in a 2-0 victory.

He moved to Alverca in 2025 and has since established himself in Portuguese football. His regular starts this season have now earned him attention from the Super Eagles.

The September qualifiers could give James his first opportunity to take that next step.

Nigeria face Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau four days later. James' inclusion gives Chelle another young, left-footed defender to assess as he reshapes his options without Sanusi.