2026 World Cup qualifiers: Peseiro hands Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella first Nigeria call up

By Wale Mustapha

Bayer Leverkusen winger, Nathan Tella could make his debut for Nigeria in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying games, nigeriafootball.ng has learned.

Tella who has just sorted his paper works to convert his nationality to Nigeria haven played for England as youth levels.

The 24-year-old will be coming at the right time as Super Eagles’ attack is facing major depletion with injuries of Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi and uncertainties surrounding the fitness of Samuel Chukwueze.

Tella has indicated interest to represent Nigeria and it is confirmed that he has his Nigerian passport sorted out ahead of a possible trip to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State for the clash against Lesotho.

He is also eligible to play for England but jad to weigh his options as the Three Lions’ attack looked filled up with top names in world football.

Tella is expected to bring new dimension to Jose Peseiro’s attack as he’s shown in his club sides recently involving in 22 goals for Burnley last season and has since not falter at Leverkusen.

He is a versatile player who can play anywhere across the attack and can also do a job in midfield.

Hale End product Tella was on the books of Arsenal for a decade before joining Southampton in 2017, from where he moved to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer transfer window.