Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella is determined to prove to Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle that he deserves a place in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The 26 year old, who enjoyed a stellar season with Leverkusen, was absent from the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast—a tournament in which Nigeria reached the final only to lose to the host nation.
Speaking to Olympics via X (formerly Twitter), Tella admitted that missing the tournament was disappointing, but witnessing his teammates’ success served to heighten his own motivation.
“Because I missed out on the AFCON last year, my first aim is to be in the squad for that because I saw how well the boys did, and obviously the final was unfortunate.”
He emphasised that representing Nigeria remains a privilege earned through consistent club performances:
“To even be selected, I need to show what I can do at club level. I need to take myself to the next step because to play for Nigeria, you’re not just handed the shirt. You have to earn it. You have to work hard for it and then once you get in, it’s to stay in. There’s no better feeling, no bigger achievement than being able to represent your country.”
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Motivated by Nigeria’s near-miss in 2023, Tella is now focused on assuring Chelle of his worth. With the Bundesliga season set to begin under new manager Erik ten Hag, he sees this as a prime opportunity to showcase his form and secure a spot on the flight to Morocco.
Editorial
We feel Nathan Tella’s determination speaks volumes representing one’s country is a privilege that must be continually earned. It’s all too common for players to treat a national team selection as a one-time reward, but Tella reminds us that it is a responsibility, not a right.
He saw his absence during Nigeria’s impressive AFCON run in 2023 as a personal setback but rather than letting frustration simmer, he turned it into fuel. That mindset is exactly what elite sports demand: let disappointment refine, not define, the player.
This is more than personal ambition. It reflects a standard Nigeria must uphold: performances at club level must translate into national team opportunities. Leverkusen’s league exposure under ten Hag gives Tella the perfect stage to translate consistency into recognition.
We believe that, if he maintains his form, Tella won’t just be a squad member—he’ll become indispensable. Because the Super Eagles need players who seize their second chance with both hands—and that, it seems, is exactly what he intends to do.
Did You Know?
- Nathan Tella missed the 2023 AFCON tournament held in Côte d’Ivoire, during which Nigeria reached the final.
- Tella featured in a standout campaign for Bayer Leverkusen last season, playing a key role in the team’s success.
- He spoke about his AFCON omission in an interview with Olympics on X (formerly Twitter).
- The new Bundesliga season will see him play under manager Erik ten Hag, who recently took charge at Leverkusen.
- The 2025 African Cup of Nations will be held in Morocco with D-group battles expected to be highly competitive.
