Alverca Defender In Line To Replace Injured Zaidu In Super Eagles AFCON Squad
Retold by Oddsrama · 31 August 2026
Isaac James, a 22-year-old left back plying his trade at Portuguese club Alverca, has emerged as the leading candidate to deputise for Zaidu Sanusi in Nigeria's Super Eagles setup ahead of September's AFCON qualifiers. Sanusi's abductor injury will sideline him for approximately two months, forcing coach Eric Chelle to explore backup options in that position. James caught the tactician's eye during his breakthrough season at Alverca following a free transfer from French side Lorient, and has since become a regular fixture on Chelle's radar.
The coach's scouting department has monitored the young defender on three separate occasions this campaign, returning glowing assessments that have elevated James's standing within the squad hierarchy. His progression and consistent performances have impressed Chelle enough to make him the favoured replacement despite other contenders in the mix. However, the battle for that spot won't be straightforward—Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel remain in consideration, having both featured at left back alongside their primary responsibilities on the right flank.
Bruno Onyemaechi will continue as the first-choice left back for the upcoming fixtures, meaning James would slot in as cover. From a betting perspective, this reshuffling could affect Nigeria's defensive solidity in the qualifiers; fresh legs and unfamiliar partnerships sometimes introduce unpredictability into match outcomes. Bettors watching the Super Eagles should monitor team news closely, as squad rotation and injury updates regularly shift form assessments and odds positioning heading into international windows.
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