Nathan Tella hopes to return to Super Eagles squad for World Cup qualifiers
Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has said he wants to return to the Nigerian national team but knows he must earn his place under new coach Eric Chelle.
The former Southampton forward is hoping to be called up for Nigeria’s important 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
Speaking to journalist Oma Akatugba after scoring in Bayer Leverkusen’s UEFA Champions League win over Sparta Prague, Tella stayed humble about his chances.
“This is not for me to decide. I have never been the type of player to say, ‘I should be called up.’ I have to work hard and earn my place on merit. If the new coach [Eric Chelle] thinks I have done enough, I will gladly accept the call-up. If not, it means I have to work even harder,” he said.
Tella scored his first Champions League goal in the 64th minute to help Leverkusen extend their lead. He has now scored twice in seven games in 2025.
Despite his good form, he has not played for the Super Eagles since March last year, when he was invited for friendly matches against Ghana and Mali.
With Chelle now in charge and focused on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, competition for places in the squad is tough. However, Tella remains determined to prove himself.
He added: “It is always an honour to play for your country. Many dream of playing alongside the best players in the country. Every chance I get to represent the Super Eagles, I will give 100%. I just have to keep doing the right things here and hope to get noticed back home.”
As Nigeria prepares for must-win games in the qualifiers, Tella will be hoping his performances for Leverkusen convince Chelle to bring him back into the squad.
