The biggest honour in my life up to date - Nathan Tella on representing Super Eagles

Super Eagles of Nigeria forward Nathan Tella has spoken out about what he considers one of the greatest achievements of his fledgling career.

The 26-year-old made the revelation during an exclusive interview with Olympic.com, where he narrated his growing up days, working with former boss Xabi Alonso (now at Real Madrid) and his experience so far with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Born and bred in Stevenage, England, Nathan Tella had stints at Arsenal’s academy and played for the likes of Southampton, Reading, Norwich, and Burnley. 

However, it was during the 22/23 season, on loan at Burnley from Southampton that Tella announced himself. The Nigerian helped Vincent Kompany’s side regain promotion to the English Premier League with 7 games to spare, courtesy of his 17 goals and 5 assists. He was the Championships highest goalscorer and netted 19 goals in 45 games across all competitions. 

Bayer Leverkusen came calling in August 2023, splashing a reported £20 million on the young attacker on a five-year deal. 

In two seasons in Germany, Tella has won the German Bundesliga, the German Super Cup, and the League Cup, but all of these pale in comparison to wearing the green and white jersey of his national team. 

Playing for a country he loves in front of his family is something Tella will continue to cherish. He told Olympic.com that his Unity Cup triumph with Nigeria’s Super Eagles is one of the biggest honours of his life, and he can’t think of something bigger.

“When I officially saw it, that's what I was focusing on. I wanted to be called up for this,” says Tella, “this is an opportunity to play in front of my family representing my country, and I really don't think I've had a bigger honour in my life up to date. It's not just good for football, but it's also good for the community, Africans and Caribbeans all around England,” he said.

The forward who is sometimes deployed as a wingback started the Unity Cup final where he provided the assist for Samuel Chukwueze to temporarily put Nigeria 2-1 against Jamaica.

The former Arsenal Academy graduate is also hoping to maintain a solid form with his club so he can earn a call-up from Eric Chelle for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, having missed out of the 2023 edition due to injury. 

He said: “To even be selected, I need to show what I can do at club level. I need to take myself to the next step because to play for Nigeria, you're not just handed the shirt. You have to earn it. You have to work hard for it and then once you get in, it's to stay in. There's no better feeling, no bigger achievement than being able to represent your country.”

Tella now in his third season at Bayer Leverkusen will be looking to hit the ground running under new manager Erik ten Hag when they kick off their campaign against Hoffehaim on Saturday, August 23rd.