Nathan Tella sad over missing out of 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria international, Nathan Tella has voiced out his displeasure on missing out on the 2023 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

The Bayer Leverkusen star made his debut for Super Eagles against Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in October last year.

Tella said he felt excited playing for Nigeria as he didn’t have prior experience of it before his debut for the Eagles but is disappointed for not making the country’s squad for the 2023 AFCON despite the high expectations.

“It was good. I have always wanted to play international football. I never played international football when I was younger,” Tella was quoted by Bundesliga International.

“So, for me, it was my first experience to be part of an international team and it was good! It was a good opportunity to play and see what international football was like.

“In my head, I wanted to play in the Africa Cup of Nations and I wasn’t called up. I was quite disappointed but then, at the same time, I looked at it as an opportunity to play here.”

Leverkusen seat atop the Bundles table with 61 points from 23 matches.