Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella has expressed his hope of getting a recall to Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
Tella got his first call-up to the Super Eagles in 2023 under former coach Jose Peseiro for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
He got his first and only cap on matchday 2 of the qualifiers against Zimbabwe in Kigali, Rwanda, which ended 1-1.
He was called up for the matchday 3 and 4 fixtures against South Africa and Benin Republic but excused himself and was replaced by Rizespor midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin.
Speaking in an interview on OmaSport TV, after Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League game against Sparta Prague on Wednesday, Tella said he hopes to get another invite.
“Whether I feel I deserve a call is not for me to say,” the 25-year-old, who scored against Sparta Prague said.
“I’ve never been a player that says I should be called up I have to work hard and earn my chances. If the new coach thinks I’ve done enough I will happily accept the call-up but if it’s not then I will have to work even harder.
He said he would be delighted to feature for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup if the opportunity comes.
“It’s an honour to play for your country and every opportunity I get to represent I will give 100 percent and hopefully get the recognition back home.”
Tella has scored three goals in, provided three assists in 25 games in all competitions for Leverkusen this season.
By James Agberebi
2 Comments
Why did you excuse yourself last time? Were you not fit? Did you communicate well with the team? Faced with an abundance of talents, coaches easily shun players with dubious excuses.
On current form, Tella is among the top 5 Super Eagles forward.
Finidi really did a bad job allowing the talented dude to rot in bench for overhyped players like Iheanacho and Chukwueze.
Tella has done is Super Eagles career a great job.
A combination of Lookman, Osi, and Tella in attack with supplies from Moses and a talented playmaker can wreck any team in the World.
Over to you, Chelle.