Four minutes was all Nathan Tella needed to make his mark off the bench, as Bayer Leverkusen cruised into the next round of the DFB-Pokal.
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Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella opened his account for the new season as Bayer Leverkusen cruised to a 4-0 win over Wehen Wiesbaden in the DFB-Pokal on Saturday, sportsration.com reports.
Tella came off the bench in the 65th minute, replacing Emmanuel Fernandez, and needed just four minutes to get on the scoresheet, capping an impressive cameo with Leverkusen’s third goal.
A Comfortable Night In Front Of Goal
Patrik Schick had put Leverkusen ahead shortly before half time, before Lucas Vazquez doubled the lead two minutes after the restart. Following Tella’s goal, Christian Kofane completed the scoring in the 79th minute. Leverkusen dominated throughout, enjoying 71 per cent possession as Wehen Wiesbaden struggled to create clear chances.
A Timely Boost After A Difficult Injury Spell
The goal offers a welcome lift for Tella, who endured a frustrating 2025/26 season disrupted by muscle, knee and foot injuries that limited him to just 17 league appearances. He has spoken openly about his determination to regain full fitness and force his way back into Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles plans, and a strong start to this campaign will help that cause.
His compatriot Victor Boniface was an unused substitute as he continues working his way back into regular contention following last season’s loan spell at Werder Bremen.
📌 Did You Know?
- Tella became cap tied to Nigeria in November 2023 after featuring in a World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, ending any possibility of representing England.
- He came through Arsenal’s academy as a boy before later moves to Southampton and Burnley shaped his path into professional football.
- Tella joined Bayer Leverkusen from Southampton in a reported £20 million deal in 2023.
- He was part of Leverkusen’s historic 2023/24 season, which included a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double under Xabi Alonso.
- Despite being born and raised in England, Tella has said representing Nigeria has always been his dream, citing his family’s Nigerian culture and traditions.
- He was named in Nigeria’s final squad for AFCON 2026 in Morocco despite limited game time heading into the tournament.
