Isaac James has spoken publicly for the first time about his debut call-up to the Super Eagles, describing a wave of emotion that moved him to tears when he heard the news.

The 22-year-old defender, who plays for Alverca in Portugal, is one of three uncapped players invited by Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Forwards Moses Usor and George Ilhenikena received their maiden invitations alongside him.

A dream he did not expect so soon

James admitted he was caught off guard by the timing of his first international call-up, even though pulling on a Nigeria shirt had long been an ambition.