Nathan Tella in race against time to make Nigeria's squad for WCQ playoff against Gabon

Bayer Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand has provided an update on Nathan Tella's fitness ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash with European champions Paris Saint-Germain

Speaking to the media on the eve of the game, Hjulmand confirmed that the Nigeria international will not feature in Tuesday's matchday squad at the BayArena.

According to German newspaper Bild, the Super Eagles forward has yet to resume full team training as of Monday, though Hjulmand expects him to return to the pitch and rejoin group sessions sometime next week.

Tella was named in Nigeria's provisional squad for the September internationals against Rwanda and South Africa but missed this month's fixtures as he continued his recovery from a knee injury. 

The Hale End Academy graduate had been scheduled to resume individual training during the international break, but recurring pain ruled him out of Leverkusen's recent trip to Mainz.

With Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle expected to finalise his provisional roster for the World Cup qualifying playoffs this week, Tella faces a race against time to prove his fitness and earn a recall for the game against Gabon's Panthers. 

Born in England, the former Southampton and Burnley winger made his competitive debut for Nigeria in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in November 2023, before featuring in the Unity Cup final against Jamaica.

Prior to his injury setback, Tella started Leverkusen's opening three Bundesliga matches of the season, contributing two assists.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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