Tella Eyes Super Eagles Recall

Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella has expressed his hope of getting a recall to Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

Tella got his first call-up to the Super Eagles in 2023 under former coach Jose Peseiro for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

He got his first and only cap on matchday 2 of the qualifiers against Zimbabwe in Kigali, Rwanda, which ended 1-1.

He was called up for the matchday 3 and 4 fixtures against South Africa and Benin Republic but excused himself and was replaced by Rizespor midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin.

Speaking in an interview on OmaSport TV, after Bayer Leverkusen’s Champions League game against Sparta Prague on Wednesday, Tella said he hopes to get another invite.

“Whether I feel I deserve a call is not for me to say,” the 25-year-old, who scored against Sparta Prague said.

“I’ve never been a player that says I should be called up. I have to work hard and earn my chances. If the new coach thinks I’ve done enough I will happily accept the call-up but if it’s not then I will have to work even harder.

He said he would be delighted to feature for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup if the opportunity comes.

“It’s an honour to play for your country and every opportunity I get to represent I will give 100 percent and hopefully get the recognition back home.”

Tella has scored three goals in, provided three assists in 25 games in all competitions for Leverkusen this season.