Sports
2026 WCQ: Peseiro, explains his decision to invite Tella for the Lesotho and Zimbabwe games
Insight into his choice to invite Nathan Tella to the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe has been provided by head coach Jose Peseiro.
Tella, who plays for Bundesliga powerhouse Bayer Leverkusen, was an unexpected addition to Nigeria’s team for the matches against the Warriors and Likuena.
Parents from Nigeria brought up the adaptable winger in England.
But instead of playing for the Three Lions of England, the 24-year-old chose to play for Nigeria, the three-time African champions.
Peseiro made a suggestion that Tella’s strong performance at the club level warranted him an invitation.
Peseiro told reporters in Uyo, “I would like to train more, but we already did because we trained before.”
“I am familiar with the players; Nathan is the only newcomer. Occasionally, I can verify the progress of players who appear to be performing well.
“The others are familiar with our leadership and organisation, so I think it will work well.”
Tella was selected for the Team of the Season after spending the 2022–2023 season on loan with Burnley from Southampton.
The summer transfer to Leverkusen was earned by the Arsenal youngster.
Against Union Berlin last weekend, Die Werkself won 4-0, and he scored his first goal for the team.