Bayer Leverkusen star Nathan Tella recently discussed the possibility of returning to the Super Eagles, explaining why he may not currently qualify for a call-up.
Tella, who spent ten years with the Arsenal youth setup, made his debut for the Nigerian national team on November 19, 2023, in a World Cup qualifier game against Zimbabwe. The winger made the starting lineup but was only able to manage 45 minutes, which remains his only appearance in a Super Eagles jersey.
Life at his current club, Bayer Leverkusen, has not been rosy either. The pacey attacker has struggled for game time, managing just 472 minutes across 14 appearances this season.
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After Die Werkself’s 5-0 victory over Salzburg in the Champions League, Tella, who came on as a substitute, admitted he had hoped to find the back of the net.
Tella talks potential Super Eagles call-up
When asked about a potential return to the Super Eagles squad, Tella expressed his desire to rejoin the team soon.
”Of course, it’s an honour to represent your country, but I have to play here more to get the recognition to play with the country,” he replied, as per OmaSports TV.
He further emphasized the importance of improving his performances at the club level to secure a national team call-up.
”But I think it’s all about baby steps, keep getting better, keep improving and if I continue to do the right things, I hope Nigeria will call me back.
”I can’t go just because of who I am, I have to earn the opportunity to play for Nigeria and if I’m not playing well for my club, I have to work hard to get back into the team here, then the National team follows,” the one-capped Super Eagles star concluded.”
With Nigeria’s next competitive game—a World Cup qualifier against Rwanda—scheduled for March, Tella has time to prove he deserves another chance to wear the national team colours.
