By Korede James
Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella has expressed his hope of getting a recall to the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Tella got his first call-up to the Super Eagles in 2023 under former coach Jose Peseiro for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
He got his only cap on matchday 2 of the World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe in Kigali, Rwanda, which ended 1-1.
He was invited for the matchday 3 and 4 fixtures against South Africa and Benin Republic but withdrew due to injury.
He was then replaced by Caykur Rizespor midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin.
Tella said after scoring in Bayer Leverkusen’s UEFA Champions League match against Sparta Prague on Wednesday night that he hoped to make a return to the three-time African champions.
“Whether I feel I deserve a call is not for me to say,” the 25-year-old told OmaSport TV.
“I’ve never been a player that says I should be called up. I have to work hard and earn my chances.
“If the new coach thinks I’ve done enough I will happily accept the call-up but if it’s not then I will have to work even harder.”
Tella, who was born in England to Nigerian parents, said he would be delighted to feature for the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup if the opportunity comes.
“It’s an honour to play for your country and every opportunity I get to represent I will give 100 percent and hopefully get the recognition back home,” he added.
Tella has scored three goals and provided three assists in 25 games in all competitions for Leverkusen this season.
