Super Eagles new boy Nathan Tella declares: I'm Nigerian and always keep an eye on AFCON

Nigeria’s latest addition to the Super Eagles, Nathan Tella, has proudly declared his Nigerian heritage in a heartfelt revelation, expressing a deep connection to his roots. 

Pulse Sports Nigeria can report that Tella’s thought was shared in a Bundesliga where he noted that he also keeps a watchful eye on the African Cup of Nations, AFCON.

The Bayer Leverkusen is in line for his first international cap after he earned a maiden call-up to the Nigeria Super Eagles. 

Nigerian coach, Jose Peseiro, released his 23-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, with the 24-year-old a notable addition.

Tella, who was born in England to Nigerian parents, spoke earlier this year about what it would be like for him to represent Nigeria on the international stage. 

In an interview shared by the Bundesliga, the versatile forward acknowledged his Nigerian heritage while expressing his keen interest in the AFCON, Africa’s premier tournament.

“I would love to play international football,” Tella stated in the report dated September. “That’s always been a dream of mine. If i went away with Nigeria, it would be something new and new experiences bring out the best in players.”

Speaking further, he added that he emphasised his keen interest in the AFCON. 

“I’m always keeping an eye on AFCON,” he added. “I am Nigeria, so I always want to focus and watch the games.”

With this public declaration, Tella has served as a promising sign for the future after not only embracing his heritage but also revealing his active interest in the AFCON.

With Nigeria set to be in the next AFCON slated for Ivory Coast early next year, it would be interesting to see if the young forward, who has made 10 appearances this season for his new club Leverkusen across all competitions, can break into the team for the African fiesta. 

But before that, Nigerians could get a chance to see what Tella is about when the FIFA WCQ gets underway in Uyo, where Nigeria host Lesotho in the first of the double-header.