Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has offered an insight on his decision to invite Nathan Tella for the side’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
Tella, who is on the books of Bundesliga giants, Bayer Leverkusen, was a surprise inclusion in Nigeria’s squad for the games against the Likuena and Warriors.
The versatile winger was raised in England by Nigerian parents.
The 24-year-old, however, opted to play for three-time African champions Nigeria instead of the Three Lions of England.
Peseiro hinted that Tella earned his invitation on the back of his impressive form at club level.
“I would like to train more but we already did because we trained before,” Peseiro told reporters in Uyo.
“I know the players, only one new player came, Nathan, because sometimes I can check some players that in our eyes are doing well.
“The others know our organization, our leadership and I think it’s going to be a good match.”
Tella spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Burnley from Southampton and was named in the Team of the Season.
The Arsenal trainee earned a move to Leverkusen in the summer.
He scored his maiden goal for Die Werkself in the 4-0 victory against Union Berlin last weekend.
2026 WCQ: Why I invited Tella for Lesotho, Zimbabwe games – Peseiro
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