Amid a flurry of speculation suggesting that Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella has turned his back on the Super Eagles, fresh reports have confirmed that the 25-year-old remains firmly committed to representing Nigeria at international level.
Why the Confusion?
Rumours began to swirl following Tella’s absence from Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying squads in both June 2024 and March 2025. The Southampton academy graduate was notably missing from the list of call-ups released by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), prompting local media to suggest that he had quit the national team.
However, authoritative sources close to the player have debunked those claims, citing specific personal and physical issues that explain his recent absences.
The Real Reason Behind Tella’s Absences
According to a trusted source who spoke to All Nigeria Soccer, the player’s unavailability in June 2024 was due to a family emergency that required his immediate attention. Tella was originally named in the squad for Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Republic of Benin, but he was forced to withdraw just days before the fixtures.
In March 2025, Tella again missed out on Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers. This time, it was due to a legitimate injury that sidelined him from Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga clashes against VfB Stuttgart and VfL Bochum. His absence from club football during that period further supports the fact that he was indeed injured and not avoiding national duty.
“Why would Tella reject a call-up? There was a family emergency last year, so he couldn’t attend. And last month, he was injured,” the source told allnigeriasoccer.com. “Tella is like Ademola Lookman — they’re both reserved and don’t talk much. He’s still available to play for the Super Eagles anytime.”
Nathan Tella is Cap-Tied to Nigeria
It’s also important to clarify the eligibility status of Nathan Tella, who was born in England but is of Nigerian descent.
In November 2023, Tella made his competitive debut for Nigeria in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, officially becoming cap-tied to the Super Eagles. This means he can no longer switch allegiance to England, the country of his birth, as long as he retains his Nigerian citizenship.
This move came after Tella previously expressed a strong desire to represent Nigeria at senior level, despite being eligible to play for the Three Lions. He followed a similar path taken by players like Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, and Ademola Lookman, who also opted for Nigeria after playing youth football in the United Kingdom.
Tella’s Dream to Represent Nigeria
Nathan Tella’s choice to play for Nigeria wasn’t a last-minute decision nor an act of convenience. Those close to the Arsenal Hale End Academy graduate have long spoken about his deep desire to wear the green and white jersey of the Super Eagles.
Tella himself has admitted in past interviews that he grew up watching the likes of Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and Obafemi Martins, and that he always dreamed of following in their footsteps.
His decision to honour Nigeria with his international future was hailed as a major boost for the national team, especially given his rapid rise in European football.
Club Form: Tella’s 2024/25 Season with Bayer Leverkusen
Tella is currently enjoying his second season with Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, having joined the German side from Southampton in August 2023. The winger was initially signed to provide depth in wide areas but has quickly grown into an important squad player.
So far in the 2024/25 season, Tella has made 19 starts in all competitions for the Bundesliga giants, racking up 7 goal contributions — 4 goals and 3 assists — a respectable return considering the intense competition for places at Leverkusen.
His versatility, work rate, and ability to play on either flank or as a secondary striker have made him a valuable asset in Alonso’s tactical system. Tella’s development has not gone unnoticed, with several pundits in Germany praising his tactical discipline and direct style of play.
What This Means for the Super Eagles
Nathan Tella’s continued commitment to the Nigeria national team is good news for coach Finidi George and the Super Eagles setup, which is in a critical phase ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Nigeria currently sit in a tight qualification race, and players with European pedigree like Tella could provide much-needed firepower and experience.
With players like Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Ademola Lookman already battling for starting positions on the wings, Tella’s inclusion adds depth and quality to an increasingly competitive squad.
Calls for Better Communication from the NFF
The misunderstanding around Tella’s international status highlights once again the need for improved communication between the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), the players, and the media.
In recent years, Nigeria has lost players like Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, and Folarin Balogun to other nations, partly due to slow or unclear processes around their integration into the national team setup.
To avoid similar confusion, football stakeholders are urging the NFF to provide regular updates and clarification regarding player statuses, injuries, and absences, especially when high-profile names are involved.
What Next for Tella and Nigeria?
With the next round of international fixtures scheduled for September 2025, it remains to be seen whether Tella will be fit and available for selection. Should he maintain his form and fitness at Bayer Leverkusen, he is likely to be back in contention for a place in the squad.
SUGGESTED FOR YOU
Gift Orban Opens Up on Leaving Lyon for Hoffenheim: ‘I Wanted to Play More and Be Appreciated
There is no doubt that Tella remains an important part of Nigeria’s long-term project as the team builds towards AFCON 2025 and World Cup 2026.
Despite the noise, the facts are clear: Nathan Tella has not quit the Super Eagles. His absence has been circumstantial, not political, and he remains fully committed to playing for Nigeria whenever he is called upon.
