World Cup 2026: Alonso lauds Tella’s qualities ahead of Lesotho’s clash

By Saheed Afolabi

Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso has heaped praises on talented winger, Nathan Tella ahead of his debut for Nigeria against Lesotho.

Tella’s fantastic run of performances has earned him a call up to the Nigeria national team 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Alonso said, Tella has great qualities to make a huge impact for the Super Eagles as the former Real Madrid midfielder believes the forward has a strong mentality to succeed.

“Nathan is a player that has the ability to just do the right thing, be in the right place, he has the quality to be in the box and makes the right runs,” Alonso told Bayer Leverkusen media.

“In Nigeria they have great strikers and maybe they could use good wingers. He’s a really nice guy with a strong mentality, he has a great attitude.”

Tella scored his first goal for Leverkusen to celebrate his first call-up to the national team.