Nathan Tella ready for Super Eagles recall journey

By Monsurah Olatunji

Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella has reflected on what he needs to improve to earn a recall to the Nigerian national team, six months after his last appearance.

Tella, who was left out of the Super Eagles squad by Augustine Eguavoen for the recent AFCON 2025 qualifiers, is determined to work his way back into the team.

Born in England, the 25-year-old was first called up to the Super Eagles in 2023 following a stellar season with Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen. He made his debut for Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe on November 19, 2023. However, he was surprisingly omitted from the AFCON squad just a month later.

Despite this setback, Tella was invited for the international friendlies against Ghana and Mali in March, although he remained an unused substitute in both matches.

Undeterred, Tella is now focused on regaining his form and securing a starting position at Leverkusen, with hopes of earning another call-up to the national team.

Speaking after an impressive performance against Heidenheim, Tella expressed his commitment to improving his game in order to earn a spot in the Super Eagles.

“It’s an honor to represent your country, but I have to play well here [at Leverkusen] to get the recognition for Nigeria,” Tella said in an interview with OmaSport TV.

“I think it’s all about baby steps—keep getting better, keep improving. If I continue doing the right things, I hope Nigeria will call me back.”

He added, “I can’t expect to be called up just because of who I am. I have to earn the opportunity to play for Nigeria. If I’m not performing well at my club, I have to work hard to get back into the team here, then the national team follows.”

With this focused mindset, Tella remains determined to earn his place in the Super Eagles once again, demonstrating the hard work and commitment required to represent Nigeria on the international stage.