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NEW
AFCON 2025
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Nigeria's Super Eagles have received a welcome boost ahead of the 2025 AFCON with another attacking option regaining fitness
The Super Eagles have received a timely boost ahead of AFCON 2025, with Germany-based winger Nathan Tella returning to full team training after two months out through injury.
The Bayer Leverkusen star has been sidelined since mid-September with persistent knee problems, but his comeback this week signals renewed hope for both club and country.
Tella returns after two-month setback, but caution remains
Tella rejoined Bayer Leverkusen’s main training group on Tuesday, marking his first full session since picking up a knee injury during the club’s 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on September 12.
His recovery has been complicated by multiple setbacks, keeping him out far longer than initially expected.
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According to Bild, the 26-year-old completed almost all activities in Tuesday’s training but did not participate in the final internal match. Instead, he worked individually on passing and shooting drills with fellow injury returnee Axel Tape.
Head coach Kasper Hjulmand is taking a measured approach, focusing on long-term stability rather than rushing him back. While Tella’s availability for Saturday’s Bundesliga clash against Wolfsburg remains uncertain, optimism is growing that he could at least make the matchday squad.
Leverkusen and Nigeria hopeful ahead of demanding fixtures and AFCON
Tella’s return comes at a crucial period for Leverkusen, who face eight matches in the next four weeks, including high-profile showdowns with Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United and RB Leipzig.
With Arthur struggling for consistency on the right flank, Tella’s comeback offers Hjulmand an important attacking alternative.
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His absence has also been felt at international level. Tella missed Nigeria’s last four 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, against Rwanda, South Africa, Lesotho and Benin, as well as the recent playoff battles against Gabon and DR Congo.
With AFCON 2025 kicking off next month in Morocco, the winger is now racing to regain full fitness. If he continues to progress, his return would strengthen Nigeria’s squad depth and offer head coach Eric Chelle a dynamic option on the wings at the tournament.