Two Nigerian stars were in action while two were missing as Bayer Leverkusen’s 2025-26 Bundesliga campaign began on a disappointing note following their 2-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim, Soccernet.ng reports.
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, taking charge of Leverkusen for the first time since his summer appointment, named Nathan Tella in his starting line-up.
The winger, however, could not inspire his side to victory in front of their home supporters.
His international teammate Victor Boniface was unavailable, having travelled to Italy to complete a medical with AC Milan ahead of a season-long loan move.
Hoffenheim were also missing a Nigerian forward of their own, as Gift Orban sat out with a foot injury. But coach Christian Ilzer had Kevin Akpoguma at his disposal, deploying the defender from the bench in the 74th minute to help protect their narrow advantage.
Leverkusen made a bright start, with 22-year-old English defender Jarell Quansah heading them into the lead after just six minutes.
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The visitors responded quickly, equalising in the 25th minute through striker Fisnik Asllani. The German forward then turned provider shortly after half-time, supplying the assist for Tim Lemperle’s decisive strike in the 52nd minute.
Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, Leverkusen could not find a way through. Akpoguma played his part in shutting down Ten Hag’s side as Hoffenheim celebrated an early away victory that sets the tone for their campaign.
For Tella, the defeat came with a silver lining.
The former Arsenal and Southampton man has been included in Nigeria’s provisional 31-man squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
Tella’s strong performances at the Unity Cup in May, where the Super Eagles defeated Ghana and Jamaica in London, impressed head coach Eric Chelle and boosted his chances of making the final 23-man list.
Nigeria's next match of the qualifying campaign is at home against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on 3 September, before travelling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa three days later.
