New Super Eagles invitee Isaac James has revealed that he broke down in tears after receiving his maiden national team invitation, describing the opportunity to represent Nigeria as a dream come true for himself and his family.
The Alverca left-back admitted that although he had been performing well at club level, he never expected his first senior international call-up to arrive so quickly.
“I was doing good at the season, but I didn’t expect to get the call-up immediately because I know it’s my dream to be here,” James said.
“When the coach called me, I was so surprised because I didn’t expect it to be so soon.”
The defender described the invitation as an emotional milestone after years of aspiring to wear Nigeria’s colours.
“For me personally, I actually cried, I can’t lie, because I’ve been dreaming of playing in the national team,” he revealed.
James also expressed excitement at joining a squad featuring established internationals, describing the experience as a privilege.
“We have good players here, and to be among them, I’m really happy,” he stated.
The youngster revealed that his family and club shared his excitement, with relatives contacting him after news of his invitation emerged.
“My brothers, my sister, they started sending me posts, asking, ‘Is it true? Are you going for the national team?’” he explained.
James credited his move to Portugal with providing the platform to demonstrate his abilities, describing the league as competitive and challenging.
“Some people call it maybe a farmers’ league. For me, it’s competitive, and I was doing good there,” he said.
The defender also outlined his playing style, stressing his willingness to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
“For me, I like playing attack, defending at the same time,” he explained.
Having fulfilled his ambition of earning a Super Eagles invitation, James will now be hoping to build on the opportunity and establish himself as a dependable option for Nigeria.
