Eric Chelle’s AFCON roster offers unique insight into the state of his work with the Super Eagles as he tries to be more intentional about replacements and problematic areas in his squad.
Two players stand out from these insights: the left-back and another attacking profile.
Isaac James
Alverca defender Isaac James has received his first senior Super Eagles call-up after head coach Eric Chelle turned to the 22-year-old ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
James’ invitation comes as Chelle searches for another option at left-back following Zaidu Sanusi’s injury.
James has been on Chelle’s radar after making an impressive start to the 2026/27 Primeira Liga season.
The Alverca defender has started all six of the club’s league matches, accumulating 514 minutes and providing two assists.
His latest appearance came in Alverca’s 3-1 away victory over Nacional on September 12.
The Nigerian defender’s versatility has also strengthened his case for the call-up.
James can operate as a left-back, left wing-back or left-sided centre-back, giving Chelle another option in a position affected by Sanusi’s absence.
Chelle’s AFCON Roster: Usor’s Second Chance
The past few days have been very emotional for LASK forward Moses Usor, 24, as he learned of his first call-up to the Nigerian national team.
. He told the @LASK_Official website:
“Especially as a young player, it’s a huge dream to represent your country. I’m very happy.”
He’s been called up for the two AFCON 2027 qualifying matches vs. Madagascar (25 Sept) and Guinea-Bissau (29 Sept).
Earlier this year, Moses was first invited for the Unity Cup in London, but injury stopped him from honoring the call-up and making his debut.
He has been in scintillating form for LASK in the Austrian Bundesliga and on the biggest stage, the UEFA Champions League, where he scored and provided an assist in their historic 5-1 playoff victory over Celtic to qualify for the group stage for the first time in the club’s history.
At LASK, he has contributed 3 goals and 5 assists in 11 games across all competitions this season, building on last season’s double-winning campaign, where he recorded 15 goals and 10 assists to end the club’s 61-year wait for the league title.
