Bayer Leverkusen boss sends tactical message to Chelle on how to unlock Tella for Super Eagles

Bayer Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand has expressed satisfaction with Super Eagles attacker Nathan Tella’s impact in their victory over Wolfsburg on Saturday, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Tella was a standout performer for Die Werkself as they defeated relegation-threatened Wolfsburg 6-3 at the BayArena.

He notably won the penalty which Patrik Schick dispatched in the second half, securing Leverkusen’s fourth goal and swinging the momentum in their favor.

​He was eventually substituted in the 81st minute, with Bayer Leverkusen already holding a commanding 5-3 lead.

​The assist was Tella’s first of 2026—a reflection of a stop-start campaign hampered by recurring injuries. Speaking after the game, Hjulmand was highly appreciative of the Nigerian’s performance, explaining how Tella’s positioning allowed him to dictate play.

​What Bayer Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand Said About Nathan Tella

​Coach Hjulmand highlighted how Tella’s versatility and explosive pace were instrumental in bypassing Wolfsburg’s high press.

​”Tella played a super game. I must say, in the last two weeks, he has trained very, very well and he has fresh legs,” Hjulmand said post-match.

​”We had many players who only returned for their first training session on Friday. Nathan offers many deep runs and brings that essential speed. I haven’t had many opportunities to play him due to his injuries, but he looks fresh and played a super game.”

​He continued: “I also believe he isn’t just a vertical threat now; he is drifting into the center, which is very important. He attacks the depth. We have too few players who make those runs.

When an opponent presses high, Nathan is difficult to handle on the last line because of his speed and 1v1 ability. He can go right or left, and that makes him dangerous against any defense.”

​Hjulmand’s assessment perfectly captures the quality Tella brings to the squad. Unfortunately for the 26-year-old, his progress for both club and country has been stunted by fitness issues.

​While Tella debuted for the Super Eagles last year, consistent call-ups have been tough for him to come by. However, if he maintains this fitness, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will undoubtedly take note of Hjulmand’s praise.

Chelle’s intricate system for Nigeria is one where Tella could thrive, either cutting in from the left or operating just behind Victor Osimhen.

​With international fixtures looming in June, Tella will be aiming for a late-season surge to secure his place in Chelle’s squad.