A look at what you should know about Nathan Tella, the newest player in the Nigeria Super Eagles from Bundesliga leaders, Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella has earned a maiden call-up to the Nigerian national men’s football team, the Super Eagles.
Tella leads a 23-man squad released by Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro for the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next week.
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Before his arrival when Nigeria’s camp opens next week, here are three things you should know about the former Southampton star.
Nathan Tella: Brief Bio
Tella was born in Lambeth in South London, England, 24 years ago to Nigerian parents, which made him eligible for England and Nigeria.
However, he has always clarified that his heart is with Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
From the Southwestern region of Nigeria, Tella’s full name is Nathan Adewale Temitayo Tella
He started his career at Arsenal
The 24-year-old kicked off his football career at the Arsenal academy, where he got his early education in football for 10 years.
He would swap the Emirates for St. Mary’s Stadium, the home of now-relegated Southampton, in 2017 at the age of 17.
Tella would come through the ranks at the Saints but made his name elsewhere after playing a key role in Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League in the 2022/2023 season.
His 17 goals in 39 appearances for the Clarets saw him break into the Pulse Sports 30, a ranking of Nigeria’s brightest talents for the season.
Position on the pitch
Tella is an attacking midfielder who is known for his goals, pace and dribbling ability.
He became the latest Nigerian to join the impressive Bayer Leverkusen side, who already had fan favourite, Victor Boniface when he penned a five-year contract worth 20 million pounds.
Tella has already made 10 appearances this season for Bayer Leverkusen but is yet to get off the mark for Die Werkself this season.
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