Bayer Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand issues key Nathan Tella update


Nathan Tella has been sidelined with an injury since the second week of October…

Bayer Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand has confirmed that Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella is back in the squad ahead of their Bundesliga game against Wolfsburg this weekend, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Tella has been dealing with a niggling injury since the second week of September. In a recent interview, he revealed that he had been feeling some discomfort for a while, but it worsened during Die Werkself’s 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on September 12.

​However, two weeks ago, Coach Hjulmand revealed that the Super Eagles star could return to action after the international break.

Nathan Tella and Axel Tape training at Bayer Leverkusen
Nathan Tella and Axel Tape training at Bayer Leverkusen (Photo by Imago)

​The former Southampton player returned to full first-team training earlier in the week. In what is a boost for Bayer Leverkusen, Coach Hjulmand has now confirmed that Tella will be available for action in their Bundesliga game at Wolfsburg on Saturday.

​When asked about the Super Eagles star in the pre-match conference, Hjulmand stated: “Nathan [Tella] is back in the squad,” per Werkself Xtra.

Nathan Tella in action for Bayer Leverkusen
Nathan Tella in action for Bayer Leverkusen (Photo by Imago)

​Although Tella is now fully fit, it is unlikely that he will start. He has spent over two months on the sidelines and will need time to reach full match fitness.

Nathan Tella Deserves A Chance In The Super Eagles

In recent years, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman have been the usual wingers for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, but their performances have been largely inconsistent.

Samuel Chukwueze 11 celebrates with Nathan Tella 19 during the Unity Cup Final, London 2025 match between Jamaica and Nigeria at Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford, England on 31 May 2025. Brentford Gtech Community Stadium
Samuel Chukwueze 11 celebrates with Nathan Tella 19 during the Unity Cup Final, London 2025 match between Jamaica and Nigeria at Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford, England on 31 May 2025. Brentford Gtech Community Stadium Copyright: ImagoxToyinxOshodix PSI-22219-0013

​As such, Eric Chelle has to start looking at other options. Nathan Tella has not really been given a proper opportunity to prove his quality for Nigeria, so he deserves one or two games to show he warrants a place in the squad.

​If he can string together some good performances before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, then Tella should certainly be called up to the Super Eagles squad.



Source: Soccernet

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