Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella Dreams Of Playing For Super Eagles

Following his club teammate Victor Boniface’s Super Eagles debut last month, Nathan Tella of Bayer Leverkusen is eagerly expecting an invite from Nigeria’s national team.

Recall that coach Jose Peseiro has invited Boniface for the second successive time for the friendlies against Saudi Arabia on Friday, October 13, and Mozambique three days later, after his debut against Sao Tome last month.

Tella, 24 who was born in England to Nigerian parents, but has never played for the country at any level, is dreaming of enjoying such a privilege with the Eagles.

After waiting for the opportunity to play for the Three Lions of England all to no avail, the forward has publicly stated his desire to represent Nigeria in international football.

“I’ve always said for the last three or four years that Nigeria is a big part of my life – even though I’ve been an ‘England boy’ from London all my life,” Nathan Tella said, according to the German publication, Bild.

“If I got the chance to play for Nigeria, I would be more than happy and accept it. I’ve already told my parents and friends that I would do that.”

He added, “You’re not just nominated like that, you have to work for it and earn it. I want to prove myself here if I get the chance to play. I want to develop further, help the team and the club – if a call comes for an international call-up, that would be a bonus.”

Nathan Tella transferred from the Arsenal Academy to Southampton in 2020, where he began his professional football career as an Englishman born to Nigerian parents.

The winger rose to prominence following a standout season with Burnley last year while on loan from Southampton. He played 45 games for the Clarets, scoring 19 goals and providing five assists.

Afterward, he moved to Bayer Leverkusen for a transfer fee worth €23.3 million after an outstanding 2022-2023 season. So far this season, he has made three appearances for the German side.