Nathan Tella, an alumni of Arsenal’s Hale End Academy, has acknowledged that he spoke to German media about his desire to play for the Super Eagles.
Tella qualified to play for the 1966 world champions and three-time African champions due to the fact that he was born in England to Nigerian parents.
The talented winger had always preferred representing the Super Eagles over his native nation, but he hasn’t received an invitation to play for the Nigerian teams.
If Jose Peseiro chooses to call up Tella, he will bring his versatility to the Super Eagles because the Bayer Leverkusen player is equally at home playing as an attacking midfielder, second striker, and center-forward.
The 24-year-old is acquainted with some of the Super Eagles players presently playing in Portugal, including Victor Boniface, a teammate at Bayer Leverkusen, Joe Aribo, a Southampton midfielder, and Alex Iwobi, a fellow Hale End graduate.
Tella responded, “It’s true it has come from me. When asked to clarify claims that he has decided to play for Nigeria, Oma Akatugba, a Nigerian journalist residing in Germany, asked him to confirm. I told my family that was the path I intended to take and that I wanted to play for Nigeria a few of years ago when I spoke to them about it.
“I’ve been doing well, hopefully I can get into the team and then if the call-up happens I am more than happy to accept it as something I want to do.”
When asked why he chose to dedicate his future to the Super Eagles, Tella responded, “I feel like it has always been a huge part of my life clearly.
“I’m a London boy, as I mentioned in the interview. I’ve lived in London and England, but my parents and both sets of grandparents are from Nigeria, so I feel like this is the correct course to take.
“I want to pursue something that also brings honor to my family. Even though I know they are pleased that I play football, I believe that being in Nigeria is another significant development for me.
Tella was bought by Bayer Leverkusen during the summer transfer window following his stellar 2022–2023 season at Burnley, during which he scored 19 goals across all competitions.
