Excitement brews in the household of Bayer Leverkusen winger, Nathan Tella, as he gears up to don the green and white jersey of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team.
Though born in England to Nigerian parents, Tella has pledged his allegiance to Nigeria, rejecting the opportunity to play for the Three Lions.
The 24-year-old sensation has received his premier call-up to join Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, set to clash with Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport Africa, Tella shared, “It’s always been about representing Nigeria. My family will be over the moon to watch me fulfil that dream.”
He narrated with pride, “I am proud of my British and Nigerian sides and lucky to have both backgrounds. Of course, we have both worlds, but ours is a proper Nigerian home [with] culture, food and tradition.”
His journey from the English environment to embracing the rich tapestry of Nigerian heritage has added layers of depth to his identity as a football player and an individual. Standing at the crossroads of cultures, Tella epitomizes the amalgamation of diverse influences, igniting a melting pot of talent and passion within him.
The prospect of Tella’s Super Eagles debut has undoubtedly stirred a palpable atmosphere of anticipation, infusing pride and joy into the hearts of his family. As the countdown commences, the Tella household resonates with an unbridled eagerness, brimming with unwavering support and fervent aspirations for his triumph on the international stage.
