Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is set to hand Alverca defender Isaac James his first senior invitation to the Nigerian national team ahead of the September 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The 22-year-old left-back has reportedly attracted Chelle's attention with his performances for Portuguese Primeira Liga side Alverca, where he has started all six league matches this season.
James' expected invitation comes as Nigeria look for additional options at left-back following Zaidu Sanusi's injury. According to reports from Portugal, James is expected to be invited for Nigeria's upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The Alverca defender has played 514 minutes in the Portuguese league this season and has contributed two assists.
His latest appearance came in Alverca's 3-1 away victory over Nacional on September 12. His ability to operate in more than one defensive role has also strengthened his case — James can play as a traditional left-back, left wing-back or on the left side of a back three. Sanusi Injury Opens Door for James: The expected call-up comes after Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi suffered a right adductor injury during his club's 3-0 victory over Academico de Viseu on August 29.
Sanusi was substituted early in the match and is expected to spend about two months on the sidelines, creating a need for additional depth in the position. Bruno Onyemaechi remains another option for Chelle, but James' emergence gives the coach another player to assess during the international window. James' Journey to Portugal: James began his football journey in Nigeria with Garden City Panthers before attracting interest from clubs abroad.
His development included a trial with Danish club FC Midtjylland in 2021 before he moved to France for an opportunity with Lorient. He made his professional debut for Lorient against Grenoble in Ligue 2 on August 24, 2024. Chelle Continues to Expand Super Eagles Options: James has reportedly been on Chelle's radar since last season, with the coach's scouting network monitoring his progress at Alverca.
A report published earlier this month said Chelle had sent scouts to watch the young defender on three occasions this season. If the invitation is confirmed and James makes the squad, the September qualifiers could mark the beginning of his senior international career with Nigeria. https://www.lagoslately.com/first-super-eagles-call-up-eric-chelle-set-to-invite-isaac-james/
