Super Eagles: 2 ways Nathan Tella can benefit from injury return at Leverkusen

Super Eagles forward Nathan Tella will be targeting a return to competitive action for Bayer Leverkusen when they face Mainz in the Bundesliga this weekend.

Tella has endured a difficult start to the season, featuring in just 25 minutes of action before suffering an injury that has since kept him sidelined.

It continues a series of injury setbacks which he has suffered at the club, including in the 2025-26 season when he missed multiple games with injury as well.

The Super Eagles winger made his comeback for Bayer Leverkusen in a friendly against Fortuna Köln on Friday, October 2, and wasted little time making his presence felt, scoring in a 6-0 victory.

Tella played 45 minutes in the game and will now be hoping to build on that encouraging return and get back to playing regularly.

Nathan Tella: Two ways Super Eagles forward can benefit from return to action

1. A chance to prove worth for Leverkusen

One of the biggest benefits of Tella’s return is that he can now compete for a regular place in Leverkusen’s attack again.

The 27-year-old, who penned a contract extension earlier in the year, has struggled to maintain consistency because of injuries since joining the German club from Southampton in 2023. His latest setback also affected his preparations for the new season and forced him to watch from the sidelines while his teammates continued their campaign.

However, scoring against Fortuna Köln gives him something positive to build on as he works towards full fitness.

Tella can play on either wing and also operate as a false nine and he can use this to his advantage to get more regular opportunities at the club, while his return could give head coach Carles Martínez another attacking option as the team looks to find consistency in the Bundesliga.

2. Another chance with the Super Eagles 

Tella’s return to action could also be important for his chances of returning to the Super Eagles. The winger has not featured for Nigeria since the 2025 Unity Cup, and his latest injury meant he missed the September international fixtures. 

With competition for places in Eric Chelle’s squad increasing, he will need regular football at club level to strengthen his case for a recall.

Tella has already shown what he can offer Nigeria. He can play on both wings and would offer Chelle something different from the other attackers and his ability to play in different positions could also be useful when the national team.

However, getting back into the national team will depend on more than his performances in subsequent games and whether he can remain fit on a longer twrm.

Tella has endured several frustrating spells on the sidelines, and he will be eager to put that period behind him to stand a bigger chance of earning a return to the Super Eagles setup under Eric Chelle.