Nigeria begin their World Cup qualifiers journey this month, and Tella is one of the players who has been invited to the games
Nigeria forward Nathan Tella has expressed his elation following his maiden call-up to the Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers later this month, Soccernet reports.
On Thursday, Coach Jose Peseiro released a 23-man squad for the Super Eagles' 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Lesotho later this month. And Bayer Leverkusen star Tella made the cut for the first time.
The 24-year-old right-winger was born in England to Nigerian parents. As such, he is eligible for the Three Lions and Nigeria's Super Eagles. However, he opted to wear the green and white.
Tella has finally gotten his wish, as he has been invited for the World Cup qualifiers.
In a related development, the 24-year-old winger has shared his elation at getting his maiden call-up.
“It's a great feeling and a great opportunity for me,” Tella said per Bayer Leverkusen.
“As a young boy and a footballer, you dream of representing your own country – and now I finally have the opportunity to do so. I can't wait, and I'm really looking forward to it.”
Despite never being in the Super Eagles camp, Tella should not have a problem fitting in, as his club teammate Victor Boniface has been in Nigeria's camp on different occasions.
Tella would look to provide competition for Samuel Chukwueze on the right. He would look to impress Peseiro and pin down a shirt before the Africa Cup of Nations begins in January 2024.
