Tella sends message to Jose Peseiro and Super Eagles after AFCON snub

Nathan Tella has sent a message of intent to Nigeria Super Eagles crew after scoring in the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen’s win against RB Leipzig.

Tella came off the bench to score the decisive equaliser in the second half to inspire Leverkusen to a 3-2 victory against their hosts on Saturday evening.

Xabi Alonso’s men found themselves trailing at the break following a brilliant goal by Xavi Simmons to put Leipzig in front.

With their remarkable unbeaten run at stake, Tella, who came into the game following an injury to Jeremie Frimpong in the first half, levelled the score for Leverkusen two minutes after the restart.

Despite Lois Openda restoring Leipzig’s lead just before the hour mark, Leverkusen went on to win the match courtesy of two more goals from Jonathan Tah and Piero Hincapie’s late winner. 

With his goal for the Bundesliga leaders, the 24-year-old forward staked claims for more opportunities not just at his club but the national team. 

The England-born winger earned a call-up to the Nigeria Super Eagles for the first time last year following some impressive displays for his new club in Germany. 

However, despite making it to Nigeria’s 40-man squad for the AFCON2023, the former Southampton man was eventually left out of the final 25-man team for the tournament proper by Peseiro.

Tella will now target more goals for Leverkusen to ensure a swift return to the Super Eagles after the AFCON in Ivory Coast. His positive response underlines his determination to force his way back into not just Alonso’s starting team but Peseiro's plans this year.