Nathan Tella breaks silence on Super Eagles snub claims, discusses Xabi Alonso and Ten Hag

Speaking to the Super Eagles media team, Nathan Tella has dismissed suggestions that he deliberately avoided international duty, insisting his previous absence was due to injury and not a lack of desire to represent Nigeria.

Tella said, “It’s good. You know, I’m happy to be back. I think there’s been this perception that I didn’t want to play for the national team, and that’s never been the case. 

"I’ve just been unfortunate with an injury happening the last time I got called up.”

He reiterated his commitment to the national team, adding, “I’m happy. I’m happy to be here, happy to be back, and always happy and honored to represent. 

"I mean, it gives me a chance to connect, connect to my roots, represent the country of my family, myself, and gives me a chance to play with pride.”

The 25-year-old emphasized what it means to don the green and white jersey, saying, “I’m able to play for my country, and I’m able to play with some of the best players in the country. So, it’s a brilliant opportunity for me to improve as a player and also experience new things.”

Reflecting on Nigeria’s current qualifying campaign, he admitted, “It’s been frustrating looking in, watching what’s happening with the team because I know how hard we want to work and how much we want to get to the World Cup. So we can only focus on what we can control.”

Tella added, “Now, it’s a chance for us to, you know, make it right, play some games, win some games. And I’ve always wanted to play games. This is one of the biggest rivalries in Africa, so to be a part of it is always a special feeling for me.”

On his club form, Tella reflected on Bayer Leverkusen’s season, saying, “We’ve had moments where we were really good. We’ve had some moments where we were struggling, but overall I think we can still be happy with how the season was. 

"To finish second in the Bundesliga is still a brilliant achievement.”

With Xabi Alonso departing for Real Madrid, Tella said, “Yeah, I miss him a lot. Obviously, his influence on the team and on myself. 

"I really feel like he improved me as a player and having the opportunity to work with him for those two years, it brought a lot out of me. He’s been one of the best managers in the past two years.”

He added, “The fact he’s got the opportunity to go to Real Madrid—I think everyone will now see what he does properly, how good he is. So happy for him.”

Looking ahead to working under new manager Erik ten Hag, Tella said, “I try not to pay attention to things on social media, but I can see there was a lot of excitement. Even for myself, he is still a good manager. Of course, he’s had a difficult run at Man United, but that doesn’t take away what he did before he came to United, what he did with Ajax.”

He concluded, “The fact that he’s got the opportunity to work with us and I’ve got the opportunity to work with him—I’m looking forward to it.”

Wale Adejumo

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