Nigeria, Sept. 23 -- Portugal-based defender Isaac James has revealed how emotional he was upon receiving his first invitation to the Super Eagles, a call-up he admits came sooner than expected.

The 22-year-old Alverca defender had been enjoying a productive season in Portugal, but a call from Nigeria coach Eric Chelle still caught him completely off guard.

For James, the invitation was more than another career milestone. It was the fulfilment of a dream he had carried since he began his football journey.

"I was doing well at the season, you know, but I didn't expect to get a call-up immediately because I know it's my dream to be here," James told Super Eagles Media.

"So when the coach called me, I was so surprised because I didn't ex...