Bayer Leverkusen star Nathan Tella is currently on cloud nine right now as he keeps making waves in the Bundesliga and Europe.

And right after scoring his first-ever Champions League goal in a dominant 2-0 win over Sparta Prague at the BayArena on Wednesday, the Super Eagles star sat down with sports journalist Oma Akatugba to discuss his recent form, his ambitions, and his hopes for representing Nigeria on the global stage.

The 24-year-old forward, who already has goals against Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, has now added a prestigious Champions League strike to his name, Footballrover reports.

Reflecting on his contribution to the victory, Tella humbly shared,

“I could have had more to this, but I’m happy with mainly the team being able to win and get my goal.”

Despite his modesty, it’s clear that his growing goal tally signals a player in excellent form.

Nathan Tella’s role in Bayer Leverkusen: A rising star for the Super Eagles

Tella, who has been slowly earning his place in Leverkusen’s starting lineup, spoke openly about his journey and the patience he’s had to show.

“Yeah! Of course, I’ve always been an attacking player and had to be patient, because I wasn’t playing a lot. I had to wait for my time, and thankfully it’s coming off, and I feel I’ve been taking it, and hopefully there is more.”

Tella went on to even reveal how the Leverkusen’s manager has pushed him to improve his game, and the young forward is embracing the challenge.

“I think, yes, he’s happy, but he’s always demanding more, and I’m very happy he’s demanding more; it makes me want to be a better player, and it makes me a better player as well. I think everything is progressing in the right way.”

Tella’s words reveal a player eager to improve and hungry for more success.

Can Nathan Tella secure a spot in the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 AFCON?

Turning his attention to the Super Eagles, the question of a potential call-up to Nigeria’s national team was inevitable.

With the new coach now at the helm, Tella remained grounded, expressing his belief that merit should guide his selection.

“It’s not for me to say. I’ve never been a player that says I should be called up on merit; I have to work hard and earn my chances. If the new coach thinks I’ve done enough, then I’ll happily accept the call-up. If not, then I have to work even harder, so it’s all good.”

His humility and work ethic shine through, and thats shows his commitment to earning his place.

But when asked about his dream of representing Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and possibly the World Cup, Tella’s passion for his country was made obvious.

“Yeah! Of course, it’s an honour to play for your country and play with the best players in the country. I think, every opportunity I get to represent them, I’ll give my 100%. So hopefully, I can give them the right things here [at Bayer Leverkusen] and get the recognition back at home.”

With Tella continuing to impress at Bayer Leverkusen, it’s only a matter of time before his dreams of wearing the green and white once again pulls through for the one-cap Super Eagles star.

Tella has not featured for the Super Eagles since his only appearance in the World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe in November 2023.

His absence was a result of limited playing time at Leverkusen, but that situation has now improved, and he will be hoping that Nigeria’s newly appointed coach, Eric Chelle, offers him another call-up.

If his current form is any indication, the 2025 AFCON and World Cup qualifier could very well be the stage for his next big step.

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Last Updated on January 30, 2025 12:07 pm by Sir Kris