Isaac James is set to complete a remarkable journey from Nigerian grassroots football to the Super Eagles after being picked for Nigeria’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Footynaija reports.
The 22-year-old Alverca defender is expected to receive his first senior call-up from coach Eric Chelle, according to Portuguese newspaper Record.
James started his football journey with Garden City Panthers in Nigeria before earning trials in Europe. He spent 15 days with Danish club FC Midtjylland in 2021 before moving to France for a trial at Lorient.
His chance at Lorient came after he played at left-back for US Avranches in a friendly. The French club were impressed and signed him for their reserve team.
Visa problems delayed his competitive debut, but James eventually broke into the first-team picture. He made his professional debut for Lorient against Grenoble in Ligue 2 on August 24, 2024, coming on in a 2-0 win.
His move to Alverca in 2025 has now given him a regular platform in Portuguese football.
James has started all six of Alverca’s Primeira Liga matches this season, playing 514 minutes and providing two assists. His latest appearance came in the 3-1 win at Nacional on September 12.
He can play as a left-back, left wing-back or left-sided centre-back, giving Chelle another versatile option.
His call-up comes after Zaidu Sanusi suffered a right adductor injury in Porto’s win over Académico de Viseu on August 29.
Nigeria face Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau four days later.
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