Bayer Leverkusen’s rising star, Nathan Tella, has received his debut call-up to the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
The 24-year-old winger, born in England to Nigerian parents, expressed his desire to represent Nigeria, and Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has granted him the opportunity to join the squad.
Tella, a recent addition to Bundesliga’s Bayer Leverkusen, steps in as a replacement for the injured Samuel Chukwueze, aiming to make his first appearance for the three-time African champions in the upcoming matches.
His decision follows a trend set by players like Ademola Lookman and Semi Ajayi, who, though born in England, have chosen to play for their parent’s country.
Full list of invited players
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC); Maduka Okoye (Udinese Calcio, Italy)
Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales)
Midfielders: Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany).
This is Nathan Tella
He just earned his first call up to play for the Super Eagles.
We need more players in the midfield. pic.twitter.com/h0jbI1k074
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) November 9, 2023
