Nigeria international Nathan Tella assisted Patrick Schick's winner to help Bayer 04 Leverkusen to a 2-1 home win over Hoffenheim at the BayArena on Saturday.
Maximilian Beier had given the away side the lead in the 33rd minute.
With the game drawing to a close and Leverkusen on the verge of tasting their first defeat of the season, Robert Andrich scored to equalise, and then Schick scored in additional time with an assist from Tella to secure the victory for Xabi Alonso's side.
Tella was subbed on in the 86th minute replacing Jeremie Frimpong.
The win marks Leverkusen's eighth consecutive win and continues their unbeaten run. With 27 games played, Leverkusen have won 23 and drawn on four occasions and are currently at the top of the Bundesliga table with 73 points, leading by 13 points over their closest rival, Bayern Munich.
How well has Tella fared for Leverkusen this season?
The 24-year-old Nigerian has made 18 appearances for Leverkusen and has netted five goals and provided two assists to his teammates.
Tella recently earned his maiden Super Eagles call-up for the friendlies against Ghana and Mali but unfortunately he failed to make an appearance in both games delaying his Nigerian debut.
Boniface to make injury return against Dusseldorf, Alonso stays
In a related development, Tella's compatriot and teammate Victor Boniface is expected to make a return to the pitch in Wednesday’s DFB Pokal semi-final clash against Fortuna Dusseldorf.
The 23-year-old has been out of action for the past three months due to an abductor injury suffered in January, resulting in him missing the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Boniface face has since started light training.
Furthemore, Alonso has dispelled any speculation about his future amid swirling rumours linking him to potential moves to Liverpool or Bayern Munich.
With strong ties to both clubs from his distinguished playing career, Alonso made it clear where his loyalty lies for the foreseeable future.
In a sincere statement, Alonso remarked, “I won’t comment on Liverpool or Bayern. They are prestigious clubs, and I have strong connections with them, but I'm content where I am.”
