Nathan Tella has not yet been able to earn a regular place in Leverkusen – but his wish to become a national player is already coming true.
His speed should also come into its own with the “Super Eagles” in the future: Nathan Tella. IMAGO/Eibner
In the summer, Nathan Tella moved from Premier League relegated Southampton to Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the Rhineland for 23 million euros and signed long-term until June 30, 2028. His ambitions were high, but he has not yet managed to become a regular player.
He was used five times in the Bundesliga this season, but each time he was only substituted by coach Xabi Alonso and he is still waiting for his first goal in the Bundesliga. The 24-year-old again received more playing time in the cup, in the 5-2 win in Sandhausen he played until the 64th minute, and especially in the Europa League, where he was in the starting line-up in three of four games and in the 2-1 win Molde FK also scored their debut goal in a competitive game on matchday 2.
National team wish comes true
Tella, who has both English and Nigerian citizenship, had made no secret of the fact that he wanted to become a national player in Leverkusen – not an England national player, but a Nigerian national player. “Over the last few years I’ve realized that Nigeria is an important part of my life. I’ve been a London boy all my life, but if I got the opportunity to play for Nigeria I would be more than happy,” he said the offensive player explains.
His wish is now coming true. Like his club colleague Victor Boniface, Tella was appointed to the 23-man squad of the “Super Eagles” for the opening games in the World Cup qualification against Lesotho (November 16th) and Zimbabwe (November 19th). The Nigerian Association (NFF) announced this on Thursday evening.
However, the three-time African champion will have to do without his top star Victor Osimhen. The SSC Napoli striker is out with a thigh injury and is therefore not available to Portuguese coach José Peseiro.
2023-11-09 22:59:01
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