Super Eagles: 2 players Nathan Tella’s return puts pressure on

Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has returned to action, and given Eric Chelle another attacking option, reopening two selection battles in the Nigerian National team, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Bayer Leverkusen forward made his comeback from another injury layoff on Friday, scoring in a 6-0 training victory over Fortuna Köln.

Tella played 45 minutes and marked his return with a goal, offering an encouraging sign after injuries disrupted much of his 2025/26 campaign and delayed his start to the new season.

The 27-year-old has already made it clear that returning to the Super Eagles remains one of his ambitions, and his latest comeback could give Chelle another decision to make when the national team reconvenes.

Tella’s importance is not simply based on his reputation at Leverkusen.

He can play on either wing or as a false nine, while his pressing, pace, movement and defensive contribution have previously made him an attractive fit for Chelle’s high-energy approach.

That could put pressure on two players who have recently strengthened their own claims.

2 Super Eagles stars Nathan Tella’s return puts pressure on

1. Samuel Chukwueze

Chukwueze is the obvious name. The AC Milan winger has done plenty to rebuild his position in the Super Eagles after a difficult period at club level.

He returned to Milan this summer following his loan spell at Fulham and has started four of their first five Serie A matches, providing two assists in 386 minutes.

Chukwueze recently revealed that Ruben Amorim’s trust and regular opportunities have helped restore his confidence.

“I just have to keep doing my best for the team and repay the confidence the coach has in me by playing well and helping the team,” the former Villarreal winger said.

That revival means Tella cannot simply walk back into Nigeria’s right-wing position.

However, Tella’s return gives Chelle something Chukwueze does not offer in the same way.

While Chukwueze remains one of Nigeria’s most dangerous one-on-one attackers, Tella can operate across the frontline and offers greater tactical flexibility.

Afrik-Foot previously ranked Tella above Chukwueze among Nigeria’s right-wing options because of his pressing, positional discipline, defensive work and intelligent movement.

If Tella can stay fit and reproduce his best Leverkusen form, Chukwueze will have another serious competitor for his place.

2. Moses Usor

Usor‘s case is even more intriguing because he has only just arrived on the international scene.

The LASK forward turned his Nigeria debut against Madagascar into a statement moment, coming off the bench for Chukwueze before scoring four minutes later to complete Nigeria’s 2-1 comeback.

His introduction immediately created a new selection dilemma for Chelle, and Usor did exactly what an attacking substitute is expected to do: change the game.

The 24-year-old also entered the international window in strong club form.

He had already scored twice and supplied three assists in his first seven appearances for LASK this season, while his performances last term helped him produce 15 goals and 10 assists in 35 matches across all competitions.

His ability to play from the right, attack space and cut inside onto his left foot gives Chelle another option that overlaps with Tella’s versatility.

That means Tella’s comeback does not just threaten Chukwueze’s position.

It could also make Usor’s path to regular minutes more complicated, but that is the kind of competition coach Eric Chelle should want.

Tella’s return changes the equation

Tella is not returning to a Super Eagles attack that looks exactly as it did when he was last involved.

Chukwueze has rediscovered confidence at Milan. Usor has arrived with a spectacular senior debut, and Tella now has to prove that he can remain fit long enough to turn his club quality into consistent international performances.

That makes the competition very interesting. Chelle does not have to choose between three identical players. He has three attackers offering different solutions.

Chukwueze provides one-on-one explosiveness and experience. Usor brings direct running and the confidence of a constant goal scorer.

Tella offers versatility, pressing, movement and experience at one of Europe’s top clubs.

If Tella can finally put his injury problems behind him, his return will do more than strengthen Nigeria’s attack.

It could make the fight for places on the right side of Chelle’s team even more intense.