Super Eagles midfielder Nathan Tella is ready for a return to the Nigerian national team, six months after his last appearance.
Born in Stevenage, England, Tella opted to represent the three-time African champions ahead of his birth country.
Tella Ready For Nigeria Return
Following a stellar performance for Bayer Leverkusen during the 2023/24 season, Tella received his international call-up and made his debut for Nigeria during the World Cup qualifier fixture between the Eagles and Zimbabwe on November 19, 2023.
Surprisingly, he missed out for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast where Nigeria finished second after losing to the hosts in the final.
The midfielder was again invited for the international friendlies against Ghana and Mali in March but was an unused substitute in both games.
Out In The Cold Since AFCON
Six months later, the Leverkusen man didn’t get an invite for national duties.
Speaking on a potential return to the national team, an eager Tella is hopeful for another invitation revealing there’s work ahead with his club side and yielding dividends for the country.
“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, 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,” he said in an interview with OmaSports TV.
“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.”
So far this season, Tella is yet to get on the score sheet but has provided two assists in 14 games across all competition with the latest in Die Werkself’s 5-0 win over RB Salzburg.
The 25-year-old said he hoped to get on the score sheet.
“Yeah, of course, I’m an attacker. I always want to score, and be a part of the goals for the team, but I’ve had a bit of difficulty this season. In the last two games, I think we’ve shown character and I hope it continues like this,” he added.
“I think everyone wants to play more games, but obviously, with the way the team is playing, everyone can play, everyone will get their opportunity, everyone will get minutes. It’s just about being ready, so when the opportunity comes, we’ll take it.”
