Bayer Leverkusen and Nigeria International winger Nathan Tella has his sights set on a place in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, sending a clear warning to his Super Eagles teammates, MySportDab Reports.
Despite earning his first national team call-up in 2023, the versatile attacker missed out on the 2023 AFCON squad, a fact he admits was a major disappointment.
“Because I missed out on the AFCON last year, my first aim is to be in the squad for AFCON 2025,” Tella said in a recent interview.
He added that watching his country reach the final of the previous tournament motivated him even more to earn a place in the team. “To even be selected, I need to show what I can do at club level. You have to earn it.”
Tella’s ambition highlights the competitive nature of a Super Eagles squad rich with attacking talent. Currently, the primary wide players vying for a spot are Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon.
While Lookman has distinguished himself, Chukwueze and Simon have been inconsistent in their performances for the national team.
This opens a clear path for Tella, who is expected to have a significant role at Bayer Leverkusen this season.
His ability to produce goals and assists will be the key to convincing new head coach Eric Chelle that he deserves a place on the plane to Morocco.
Tella’s message is clear: the national team shirt is not a given; it must be earned through consistent hard work and stellar club performances. With a bigger target than ever before, the race for a spot in the Super Eagles’ attack is heating up.
