Bayer Leverkusen's Nathan Tella finds himself grappling with a sense of disappointment after missing out on selection for the Super Eagles' 2024 Africa Cup of Nations squad.
The 24-year-old was initially included in Peseiro's 40-man provisional squad but was ultimately left out of the final roster that represented Nigeria in Ivory Coast.
The English-born player received a call-up to Peseiro’s squad for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualification matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. He featured for 45 minutes in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe.
The Super Eagles secured second place in the tournament after suffering a 2-1 defeat to the host nation, Ivory Coast, in the final, thus concluding their pursuit of claiming their fourth AFCON title.
Nathan Tella reflects on Nigeria absence
Upon his debut, Nathan Tella conveyed his delight at the chance to participate in international football for the first time, characterising it as a positive experience to be involved with an international squad.
“It was good. I have always wanted to play international football. I never played international football when I was younger,” he shared with the media.
“So, for me, it was my first experience to be part of an international team and it was good! It was a good opportunity to play and see what international football was like.
Despite yearning for a spot in the African Cup of Nations squad, Tella found himself sidelined.
“In my head, I wanted to play in the African Cup of Nations and I wasn’t called up. I was quite disappointed but then, at the same time, I looked at it as an opportunity to play here,” he explained.
However, he seized the opportunity presented by injuries within the squad, remarking, “We had four players – obviously Victor Boniface got injured – but if there are four players out, I would have more opportunity and I believe I did.
“I was able to play more and able to score. Obviously, I was disappointed Nigeria didn’t win it but for my teammate Odilon [Kossounou], I am really happy for him as well.”
Nathan Tella: Stats as a professional footballer
Born in England with Nigerian heritage, Nathan Tella commenced his football journey at the age of nine with Arsenal.
Following a decade-long spell with the club, he underwent trials at Reading and Norwich City before officially joining Southampton in April 2017.
In July 2019, he committed to an additional year with the club, subsequently extending his tenure with a three-year contract in July 2020.
Tella's senior debut for Southampton occurred on 19 June 2020, as a substitute in a resounding 3–0 victory over Norwich City.
His inaugural contribution came on 11 February 2021, when he provided an assist for Stuart Armstrong's goal in a 2–0 FA Cup fifth-round triumph against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Notably, Nathan Tella earned his Premier League starting debut on 23 February, albeit in a 3–0 defeat to Leeds United. However, he swiftly rebounded, scoring his maiden Premier League goal in a decisive 3–1 victory over Fulham on 15 May.
In a testament to his growing prowess, Tella penned a new three-and-a-half-year deal with Southampton on 6 January 2022. Subsequently, he embarked on a season-long loan to Burnley, commencing on 11 August 2022.
Tella's tenure with Burnley was marked by remarkable achievements, notably securing his first career hat-trick in a commanding 3–0 win over Preston North End on 11 February 2023, contributing to his team's tenth consecutive league triumph.
Impressively, he replicated this feat a month later, netting another hat-trick in a 3–1 victory over Hull City.
On 27 August 2023, the Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen announced the acquisition of Tella on a five-year deal, reportedly valued at £20 million, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
Nathan Tella has scored four goals and provided one assist in 14 games for this campaign.
