AFCON miss hurts Tella
AFCON 2025: Leverkusen Coach Reveals Nathan Tella’s Disappointment Over Super Eagles Snub
Bayer Leverkusen head coach, Kasper Hjulmand, has revealed that winger Nathan Tella was eager and hopeful of making Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), according to www.cjsoftflix.com Sports Extra.
Hjulmand, however, admitted that while the player’s omission was disappointing on a personal level, it ultimately works in favour of the German club ahead of their domestic and European commitments.
Tella was one of the high-profile omissions from the Super Eagles’ final 28-man squad unveiled this week by head coach Eric Chelle, sparking discussions among fans and football analysts across Nigeria.
The former Burnley forward had been optimistic about his chances after fully recovering from the injury that kept him sidelined for several weeks earlier in the season.
At 26, the pacey winger was hoping to build on his international career, having earned just two caps for Nigeria so far. His wait for further national team appearances will now continue until another opportunity arises.
Speaking ahead of Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga clash with Cologne, Hjulmand said, “This is beneficial for Leverkusen, of course. But Nathan had hopes, real hopes.”
New Faces Dominate Chelle’s AFCON Squad
The final Super Eagles squad includes 10 new players compared to the team that reached the final of the 2023 AFCON, signaling a fresh approach by coach Eric Chelle as Nigeria targets a fourth continental title.
Among the new additions are defenders Ryan Alebiosu and Igoh Ogbu, midfielders Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, and Tochukwu Nnadi, as well as forward Salim Fago Lawal.
Notable Absentees Raise Eyebrows
In addition to Nathan Tella, several established stars were left out of the squad. These include Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina, who was widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s standout performers at the last tournament, as well as retired captain William Troost-Ekong and injured defender Benjamin Fredrick.
Despite the omissions, Nigeria remains one of the favourites heading into AFCON 2025, with fans hoping the blend of experience and fresh talent will deliver success. Stay updated with exclusive Super Eagles news, squad analysis, and AFCON coverage only on www.cjsoftflix.com.
