Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella has expressed his hope that his latest return from injury will be the last interruption to his season after making his comeback for Bayer Leverkusen.
Tella returned to action in a training match against Fortuna Köln and marked his comeback with a goal during the 6-0 victory.
The 27-year-old played 45 minutes as he continued his recovery from another spell on the sidelines.
Reflecting on his return, Tella admitted that the repeated injuries have been frustrating and explained that he is hoping to avoid another setback.
“I’m happy to be back. I was able to play for 45 minutes. I hope it’s my last comeback. I’m praying for it. I’m very angry and frustrated that it happened again. But that’s life,” he said, as quoted by Bild.
The Nigerian has endured several injury problems during his time at Leverkusen, with his fitness issues also affecting his involvement with the Super Eagles.
He has not featured for Nigeria since the 2025 Unity Cup, and his latest setback also ruled him out of Nigeria’s September international commitments as he worked his way back to fitness.
Despite the difficulties, Tella said he has received strong support from Leverkusen throughout his injury problems.
He also acknowledged that some circumstances are beyond a player's control.
“Things happen that are beyond your control. Then it depends on how you react and act. The club has always stood behind me during my injuries and given me confidence. If God wills it and I should get injured again, I will pray even more fervently that there will be no further injuries,” he added.
Tella missed 28 games last season and is determined to enjoy a sustained run of fitness after another disrupted start to the campaign.
With his latest comeback offering him a chance to rebuild his rhythm, the Nigerian is now focused on returning to the Leverkusen squad for their upcoming match against Mainz.
“I hope to have a good week of training now so I can get back into the rhythm and be back in the squad in Mainz. My start to the season has been repeatedly interrupted. But I’m used to that, ever since I came here three years ago. I trust my body and my abilities, otherwise I wouldn’t have been here this long. For me, it’s about seizing the opportunity when I can play again," he concluded.
Tella will now hope to build his fitness after returning to training and competing again, with his focus on maintaining his availability and working his way back into regular club and international contention.
Wale Adejumo
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