Nathan Tella injury: Chelle hands Super Eagles call-up to defender who dumped Germany for Nigeria

Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella has withdrawn from the Super Eagles squad preparing for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month, Soccernet.ng reports.

Tella was named in Eric Chelle’s final 23-man squad announced on Tuesday. However, the 25-year-old forward remained on the bench as Leverkusen lost 2-0 to Bayern Munich in their Champions League Round of 16 clash.

It has now been confirmed that he is injured and will be unavailable for Nigeria over the international break.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has moved swiftly to replace Tella, calling up Gent defender Jordan Torunarigha.

Camp Update: Joshua Torunarigha has been called to replace injured Nathan Tella. We wish Nathan quick recovery #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/h5iaesFFxk

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 13, 2025

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Tella’s withdrawal reduces Chelle’s attacking options from eight to seven, but Torunarigha’s inclusion strengthens a previously light defence, increasing the number of centre-backs from three to four.

Chelle had originally named just William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Igoh Ogbu in central defence. Torunarigha’s addition provides valuable depth at the back.

The 27-year-old centre-back has been in outstanding form for KAA Gent this season, featuring in 33 matches across all competitions, including the Europa Conference League and the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.

Torunarigha, who started his career as a striker before being converted into a defender at Hertha Berlin’s academy, previously represented Germany at youth level before switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2023.

He has earned just one cap for the Super Eagles, playing in a 3-2 friendly win over Mozambique last year. Now, he will be aiming to add to his international experience when Nigeria face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21, before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25.