Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella delivered a timely reminder of his quality with a standout performance for Bayer Leverkusen in their emphatic Bundesliga victory over RB Leipzig.
The 26-year-old was directly involved as Leverkusen powered to a 4-1 win in a crucial clash that could define their push for a UEFA Champions League place this season.
With the race for European qualification heating up, Leverkusen knew anything less than victory would dent their hopes. Tella rose to the occasion.
He played a key role in the opening goal, linking up neatly in the build-up before setting up the move that allowed Patrik Schick to break the deadlock midway through the first half. Moments before the interval, the Nigerian attacker crowned his performance with a well-taken finish, calmly side-footing home to double his side’s advantage.
Leverkusen maintained control after the break, with Schick completing a hat-trick to seal an important result, while Leipzig managed only a consolation goal. The victory lifts the German side into the top four, keeping their Champions League ambitions firmly alive.
For Tella, it was more than just another league outing. After an injury-disrupted campaign, the forward is beginning to rediscover his rhythm at a crucial stage of the season. The goal marked his first in the Bundesliga this term, and he now has multiple goal contributions in recent matches as he builds momentum again.
His resurgence could not have come at a better time for Nigeria. With Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle expected to shake up his squad ahead of upcoming fixtures, Tella’s form is likely to put him firmly back in contention.
The former Southampton man has struggled for consistency due to fitness setbacks in recent months, but performances like this will strengthen his case for a recall as Nigeria prepares for the Unity Cup.
As the season enters its decisive phase, Tella now has two clear objectives — help Leverkusen secure a Champions League spot and force his way back into the Super Eagles setup.
If his latest display is anything to go by, both ambitions are well within reach.
