“It’s about being ready” – England-born Nigerian attacker eyes return to the Super Eagles

Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Super Eagles attacker, Nathan Tella, has revealed he’s putting in the work to ensure his return to the Nigerian National team, Soccernet.ng reports.

Born in Stevenage, England, the 25-year-old started his career with the famous Arsenal Hale End Football academy, before moving on to Southampton, and then Burnley. A move abroad redefined his career, as he won the domestic double with Bayer 04 Leverkusen, and made his debut for the Super Eagles.

However, life in Germany hasn’t been raves and roses, as the pacy attacker has struggled to nail down a starting berth in Xabi Alonso’s lineup. Speaking after Die Werkself sealed a 5-0 win over RB Salzburg, Tella revealed he’d had loved to be amongst the goals.

“Yeah, of course, I’m an attacker. I always want to score, be a part of the goals for the team, but I’ve had a bit of difficulty this season. In the last two games, I think we’ve shown character and I hope it continues like this.

I think everyone wants to play more games, but obviously, with the way the team is playing, everyone can play, everyone will get their opportunity, everyone will get minutes. It’s just about being ready, so when the opportunity comes, we’ll take it,” the former Southampton man told OmaSports TV.

Quizzed about a potential return to the Nigerian National team, Tella maintained there’s work to be done with his club side, which will in turn, yield dividends for country.

“Of course, it’s an honour to represent your country, but I have to play here more to get the recognition to play with the country, but I think it’s all about baby steps, keep getting better, keep improving and if I continue to do the right things, I hope Nigeria will call me back.

I can’t go just because of who I am, I have to earn the opportunity to play for Nigeria and if I’m not playing well for my club, I have to work hard to get back into the team here, then the National team follows,” the one-time Bundesliga winner concluded.

Leverkusen are currently 6th on the UEFA Champions League group phase table, five points behind Arne Slot’s Liverpool.