WCQ: Reason Bayer Leverkusen forward excused himself from Finidi George's Super Eagles

Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella have played key roles in Bayer Leverkusen unbeaten run. (Photo Credit: Imago)

FOOTBALL WCQ: Reason Bayer Leverkusen forward excused himself from Finidi George's Super Eagles

WCQ: Reason Bayer Leverkusen forward excused himself from Finidi George's Super Eagles

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 13:30 - 30.05.2024

Finidi George will begin his reign without the Bayer Leverkusen versatile star who asked to be excused from the WCQ next month.

In another big blow for new Nigeria head coach Finidi George, versatile Bayer Leverkusen star Nathan Tella has withdrawn from the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches due to family reasons.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that Tella has been excused from the national team camp, forcing Finidi to call up Ibrahim Olawoyin of Turkish club Caykur Rizespor as his replacement.

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Tella to miss Super Eagles matches

This is the latest setback for Finidi, who had already been forced to replace star striker Victor Osimhen with Kenneth Igboko from Nigerian league leaders Rangers International.

“Nathan Tella of Bayer Leverkusen has excused himself from the upcoming WCQ matches due to family reasons,” NFF stated in a statement.

Nathan Tella has withdrawn from the Super Eagles squad.
Nathan Tella has withdrawn from the Super Eagles squad. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Tella's withdrawal is a significant blow, with the 24-year-old having enjoyed an impressive debut season at Bayer Leverkusen. 

The versatile midfielder featured 36 times for the Bundesliga champions, helping them secure an unprecedented domestic double without defeat.

Nigeria vs Ghana
Super Eagles new coach Finidi George has moved quickly to replace Nathan Tella. Finidi George made some tactical alterations in Nigeria's win over Ghana (Imago)

In his first year with Leverkusen, Tella scored 6 goals and provided 3 assists, cementing his status as an important member of the squad. 

His absence will be felt as Nigeria looks to navigate a tricky World Cup qualifying campaign under new coach Finidi.

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The NFF has moved quickly to draft Olawoyin as Tella's replacement, with the Caykur Rizespor midfielder earning the call-up on the back of an impressive season in the Turkish Super Lig.

Finidi and the Super Eagles will be hoping Olawoyin can hit the ground running and help fill the void left by Tella's withdrawal. 

Ibrahim Olawoyin rattles the Kasimpasa post on his final game of the season.
Ibrahim Olawoyin rattles the Kasimpasa post on his final game of the season.

Nigeria face a crucial set of qualifiers in the coming weeks as they aim to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup after a shaky start.

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