Six years after the tragic passing of Nigerian football icon, Promise Isaac, a new beacon of hope emerges in the form of his 16-year-old son, Isaac Isaac. Currently honing his skills at the Atlanta United Academy in the United States, young Isaac is demonstrating a prodigious talent that resonates with his father’s legacy, albeit in a different position on the field. While Promise was a dynamic striker, known for his supporting runs and attacking prowess, his son is carving a niche for himself as a versatile defender, primarily operating in the center-back position but also showcasing his adaptability as a right-back and defensive midfielder. A recently surfaced video compilation showcases the youngster’s impressive skillset, stirring nostalgic memories of his father’s playing days. Despite the positional differences, Isaac shares striking similarities with his father in their celebrations, composure, and on-ball technique, hinting at a genetic predisposition for footballing brilliance.
The emergence of Isaac Isaac not only rekindles the memory of his gifted father but also introduces a fascinating subplot of international eligibility. Holding citizenship in Nigeria, the United States, and Turkey, the young footballer finds himself at the center of a potential three-nation tug-of-war for his services. His burgeoning talent, displayed prominently in the aforementioned video, underscores his potential to become a highly sought-after player on the international stage. He exhibits a remarkable range of skills, from his ability to initiate attacks from the back with pinpoint long passes to his astute defensive positioning and tight marking capabilities. Adding to his repertoire, he has also demonstrated a knack for scoring headed goals, often celebrating with a somersault, reminiscent of his father’s signature jubilation.
The Atlanta United Academy provides a fertile ground for Isaac’s development, engaging in MLS NEXT competitions, various tournaments, and a comprehensive games program designed to nurture young talent. The MLS NEXT platform, now in its fifth season, has undergone substantial changes to enhance the Pro Player Pathway, creating an environment conducive to producing future stars. Isaac’s teammates have already garnered attention from national team selectors, further highlighting the caliber of players within the academy. Given his triple nationality and burgeoning talent, it’s only a matter of time before Isaac himself attracts similar attention, potentially leading to a difficult but exciting choice between representing Nigeria, the USA, or Turkey.
Isaac’s skillset, prominently showcased in the video compilation, demonstrates his versatility and all-around capabilities. As a defender, he possesses the composure and technical proficiency to build attacks from the back, distributing accurate long passes that stretch opposing defenses. His defensive acumen is equally impressive, showcasing astute positioning, tight marking in one-on-one situations, and a knack for interceptions. Furthermore, his aerial prowess, evident in his headed goals, adds another dimension to his game. These attributes, combined with his composure and celebrations echoing his father’s style, paint a picture of a player destined for greatness.
The backdrop of Isaac’s development is the Atlanta United Academy, a renowned institution committed to nurturing young talent within the MLS ecosystem. Participating in the highly competitive MLS NEXT league, supplemented by a demanding schedule of tournaments and training games, provides Isaac with an ideal platform to hone his skills. The league itself has undergone significant changes in its fifth season, further strengthening the Pro Player Pathway and fostering a more professional environment for young prospects. With several of his teammates already earning national team call-ups, Isaac finds himself amongst a group of elite players, further enhancing his development.
Isaac’s journey carries a poignant undercurrent, shadowed by the loss of his father, Promise Isaac, in 2019. The elder Isaac, a former captain of the Nigerian U-20 team, led his nation to a silver medal finish at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup and also represented Nigeria at the Beijing Olympics. He earned three caps for the Super Eagles, scoring one goal, cementing his place in Nigerian football history. Now, six years after his untimely passing, his son carries the torch, aiming to fulfill the promise that his name signifies and potentially eclipsing his father’s achievements on the global stage. The young Isaac’s journey is not just a personal pursuit of footballing excellence but also a continuation of his father’s legacy, a testament to the enduring power of talent and the cyclical nature of sporting greatness.
