Nigeria Players Abroad
Nathan Tella’s goal takes Bayer Leverkusen to DFB Pokal quarter-final
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria midfielder, Nathan Tella was the savor as he scored the winning goals for Bayer Leverkusen as they dumped ten-man Bayern Munich out of the DFB Pokal at the Round of 16 stages.
Legendary German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was sent off in the 17th minute, reducing the host to 10 players at the Allianz Arena.
The numerical advantage counted as a substitute; Tella scored the winning goal for the visitors in the 69th minute from Alejandro Grimaldo’s assist.
Tella replaced Patrik Schik in the 61st minute before scoring the game-winner.
His compatriot, Victor Boniface didn’t feature as he is still recovering from a thigh injury which has ruled him out for the rest of the year.
“It was an important night for us. To win here against FC Bayern, who have been very strong this season, is something special,” Xabi Alonso said after the match.
“In the end, we are super happy.”
Leverkusen, which surprisingly won the German Bundesliga last season, is still in contention to win the treble.
The form of Alonso’s side had dimmed from last season’s free-scoring and gallant side, but they remain one of the favorites to win titles.
