Nathan Tella Recounts Super Eagles Experience Ahead Of Lesotho Game

Super Eagles of Nigeria’s new invitee, Nathan Tella, has recounted his experience with the national team as he prepares for his first international game.

This week, Nathan Tella could get his first cap in the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Lesotho or Zimbabwe.

At 5 p.m. later today, November 16, the Super Eagles will take on Lesotho in their first World Cup qualifying match at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Then, in Rwanda, they will play Zimbabwe in their second qualifying series at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 19.

Tella, who was called up for the first time to the Super Eagles for the two games, spoke about his time with the group during Tuesday’s team’s first practice.

He said, “It was good obviously I’m with a very talented team, very good player and it’s nice to be a part of, they’ve welcomed me very well and I’m looking forward to the upcoming games,” he told NFF TV.

“The fans should look out for somebody direct, making a lot of runs in behind and getting into 1v1 situations to dribble, score, assist and help the team.

“I always want to push myself and challenge myself to play with the best and be among the best. I’ve got the opportunity to do it at club level and now I can do it at the international level.”

The inclusion of Nathan Tella to the national team, along with Victor Boniface of Leverkusen, increases Nigeria’s attacking options in the absence of injured Victor Osimhen of Napoli and Samuel Chukwueze of AC Milan.

The 24-year-old Tella was born in England. He attended the Arsenal academy alongside Eddie Nketiah, Bukayo Saka, and Emile Smith-Rowe.

Before he moved to Bayer Leverkusen during last summer’s transfer window, Tella played for Southampton in the Premier League and for Burnley on loan.