Nathan Tella, a Super Eagles midfielder, has expressed his excitement for a potential return to the Nigerian national team six months after his last match. Tella, who was born in Stevenage, England, chose to represent Nigeria, a nation with a rich football legacy, over his country of birth. His decision came after showcasing impressive performances with Bayer Leverkusen during the 2023/24 season. This hard work culminated in his international call-up, leading to his debut in a World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe on November 19, 2023.
Despite this promising start, Tella was surprisingly left out of the Nigeria squad for the Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast, where the team finished as runners-up after a tough final against the host nation. Later, he received invitations for international friendlies against Ghana and Mali in March, but unfortunately, he remained an unused substitute in both matches. As time passed, Tella felt the disappointment of continued exclusion from national duties, fueling his desire to earn another chance to don the national colors.
In a reflective discussion about his ambitions, Tella emphasized his commitment to perform well at the club level as foundational in securing his place back with Nigeria. He articulated the balance between personal aspirations and team responsibilities, noting, “Of course, it’s an honour to represent your country, but I have to play here more to get the recognition to play for the country.” He maintains that improving his skill set with Bayer Leverkusen is vital to regaining national team selection. For him, it is crucial to focus on incremental progress and consistent improvement—what he termed as “baby steps”—to enhance his chances of being called back.
Tella’s current season has posed some challenges; while he has yet to score, he has managed to provide two assists in 14 appearances across all competitions, one notable contribution coming during Leverkusen’s impressive 5-0 victory over RB Salzburg. He acknowledged the frustration of not finding the back of the net yet, stating, “I always want to score and be a part of the goals for the team, but I’ve had a bit of difficulty this season.” His acknowledgment of the need to improve underlines a professional attitude, showing that he understands the higher expectations that come with being an attacker.
The midfielder is aware of the competitive climate within the Leverkusen squad, where each player is vying for valuable playing time. Despite the challenges, Tella remains optimistic about the team’s collective spirit, suggesting that “with the way the team is playing, everyone can play.” He is confident that they will all receive opportunities to showcase their skill and contribute effectively. His mindset focuses on being ready to seize opportunities when they arise, allowing the intensity of the competition to fuel his motivation rather than dispirit him.
Tella’s journey is not just about personal achievements but also resonates with his dedication to the Nigerian national team. His anticipation of returning to represent Nigeria highlights the importance of commitment not just at the national level but also within the club framework. As he continues to develop his skills and seek consistency in his performance, he remains hopeful that his efforts will lead to another call-up, reinforcing his belief that dedication at the club level can pave the way for success on the international stage.
