Tella quits Nigeria’s World Cup Qualifiers
The Super Eagles have been dealt yet another big blow as they prepare to take on SA and Benin in crucial games.
Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella will miss the upcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin after withdrawing from the Nigeria squad.
A report emerged from the Super Eagles camp indicating that the 24-year-old has joined Napoli striker Victor Osimhen on the sidelines ahead of the two crucial matches.
While not providing further details on the matter, Nigeria confirmed on Thursday that Tella has withdrawn from the team due to family reasons.
“Nathan Tella of Bayer Leverkusen has excused himself from the upcoming World Cup qualifiers due to family reasons,” the statement from the team’s official X page reads.
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“Coach Finidi George has now called up Ibrahim Olawoyin of Caykur Rizespor of Turkey.”
The loss of Tella and Osimhen is a big blow for the West African side as they look to secure their first win in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Tella is coming off a good season with Bayer Leverkusen having helped the team win the Bundesliga for the first time and also clinch the German Cup.
Osimhen, on the other hand, is a key player for the Super Eagles with the SSC Napoli striker having impressively netted 21 goals in 35 matches.
Ibrahim Olawoyin has been called to replace Tella having had a decent season with Rizespor.
Olawoyin, 26, will be hoping to make his Nigeria debut and impress in order to cement his place in the squad going forward.