Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella says his “biggest motivation” this season is earning a place in Nigeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in December, after missing out on the 2024 tournament.
The 26-year-old, who helped Leverkusen secure a domestic double in his debut campaign two years ago, admitted that watching the Super Eagles reach the AFCON final without him has intensified his determination.
“Because I missed out on the AFCON last year, my first aim is to be in the squad for that because I saw how well the boys did, and obviously the final was unfortunate,” Tella told Olympics.com in an interview. “Seeing the boys representing my country, and our country doing really well, made me proud and that’s what motivated me even more.”
Nigeria, seeking a return to the World Cup for the first time since 2018, face crucial qualifiers in the coming months before heading to Morocco for AFCON. Tella stressed that national team selection must be earned, not given.
“To even be selected, I need to show what I can do at club level. I need to take myself to the next step because to play for Nigeria, you’re not just handed the shirt,” he said. “You have to earn it. You have to work hard for it and then once you get in, it’s to stay in. There’s no better feeling, no bigger achievement than being able to represent your country.”
Tella made his Nigeria debut in 2023 during a World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, but his second cap came only this year at the Unity Cup in London, a diaspora tournament featuring Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. He provided an assist in Nigeria’s penalty shootout victory over Jamaica in the final.
“This is an opportunity to play in front of my family representing my country, and I really don’t think I’ve had a bigger honour in my life up to date,” he said of the London tournament. “It’s not just good for football, but it’s also good for the community, Africans and Caribbeans all around England.”
At club level, Tella faces a new challenge under head coach Erik ten Hag, who succeeded Xabi Alonso this summer after the Spaniard’s departure for Real Madrid. Leverkusen begin their Bundesliga campaign against Hoffenheim on August 23.
“I’m always excited to work with new managers. I feel like it’s a new chance for players, a new chance for opportunities to play in the team,” Tella said. “It’s quite evident he’s a good manager … I’m really looking forward to it and seeing how we can take my game to the next level.”
Tella also praised Alonso for reshaping his understanding of football, recalling how the World Cup winner deployed him as a wing-back during Leverkusen’s unbeaten championship season.
“My understanding of football changed,” he said. “I thought it was quite a defensive role, but the way he had me playing, it was like I was playing as a winger … it brought a lot out of me, and I feel like it helped me for the future.”
For now, his focus is clear: secure his place in Nigeria’s squad and seize the chance to represent his country on the biggest stage in African football.
“There’s no bigger achievement than being able to represent your country,” Tella said.
