Bayer Leverkusen winger, Nathan Tella says missing out on a place in Nigeria’s squad to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was difficult for him to take.
Tella made his international debut for the Super Eagles in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Warriors of Zimbabwe in November 2023.
The 24-year-old was however not included in the squad AFCON 2023 finals.
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Tella reflected on his debut against the Warriors and disappointment of not making the AFCON squad.
“It was good. I have always wanted to play international football. I never played international football when I was younger,” the Arsenal graduate told Bundesliga International.
“So, for me, it was my first experience to be part of an international team and it was good! It was a good opportunity to play and see what international football was like. In my head, I wanted to play in the African Cup of Nations and I wasn’t called up.
“I was quite disappointed but then, at the same time, I looked at it as an opportunity to play here.”
8 Comments
Don’t worry boy your time would definitely come. Meanwhile you just broke into the team in November and afcon was January so it will be difficult dropping other players who were equally doing well before you. The truth is that you are a very good player and still have many years to display your talent. Once again welcome to Suoer Eagles the rightful place you belong.
Who were the other players doing well?Ahmed Musa?
Lol Greenturf, please let Ugo abi na Omo9ja breathe. One of them was so vexed that Musa took Tellas place. Please let them breathe. Lol.
Musa took no one’s space….he only took his place as captain of the team.
The last time I checked, there were 2 extra spaces the NFF and Peserio refused to fill, and there were certain players who went to afcon and didn’t play a combined 60 minutes of football from Match day 1 to match day last.
Minus Ahmed Musa, there were 26 other spaces to be filled. If the coach did not see Tella as good enough to fill any of the 26, how is that any other person’s problem…?
Previous AFCONs only allowed 23 players…now we have the opportunity of 26 players and Tella still wasn’t listed…..LMAOoo. And someone somewhere believes it is Musa who is taking Tella’s space…..LMAOoo
And we really missed you, Tella.
We needed you at the Afcon.
Anyway, that’s in the past. The world cup qualifiers coming up soon is your next opportunity to stake your claim in the squad.
It’s reassuring and heartwarming to the learn that Nathan Tella is so passionate about representing the national team of Nigeria at the just concluded AFCON after his debut in November.
Keep pushing harder Nathan, we’re all proud of your development at Bayer Leverkusen under coach Alonso this current season and believe you’ll achieve much more by remaining open to continuous learning.
We look forward to having you join the Super Eagles of Nigeria in upcoming world cup qualifiers and hope when such opportunities present, you’ll be able to make the most use it.
I also believe with the inconsistency of many of our offensive players from the wing, he’ll be able to step in and give us something to cheer about.
Nathan Tella, NATE THE GREAT.
Looking forward to seeing you soon. Also looking forward to seeing Boniface, who was also sorely missed at the Afcon.