Tella’s AFCON Snub Benefits Leverkusen, Says Coach Hjulmand
Bayer Leverkusen’s Danish coach, Kasper Hjulmand, has commented on the omission of winger Nathan Tella from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). While acknowledging Tella’s personal disappointment, Hjulmand believes the player’s continued presence at the club will ultimately be a significant advantage for Leverkusen.
Tella, who has been a key player for the German club, was notably absent from the 28-man roster announced by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. The former Burnley attacker had reportedly been eager to represent his nation in the continental tournament, especially after recovering from a recent injury that had kept him sidelined for several weeks. The 26-year-old, who has earned two caps for Nigeria so far, will now have to postpone his ambitions of adding to his international tally.
“This is beneficial for Leverkusen, of course. But Nathan had hopes, real hopes,” Hjulmand stated ahead of Leverkusen’s Bundesliga fixture against Cologne. His remarks suggest an understanding of Tella’s aspirations while pragmatically assessing the situation from a club perspective. The extended absence of Tella due to AFCON participation would have undoubtedly presented a challenge for Leverkusen’s squad depth and tactical planning during a crucial period of the season.
The Super Eagles’ squad for the 2025 AFCON signals a period of transition, with a considerable influx of new talent. The roster boasts ten new faces compared to the team that reached the final of the previous tournament. This new generation of players includes:
- Defenders: Ryan Alebiosu and Igoh Ogbu.
- Midfielders: Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, and Tochukwu Nnadi.
- Forwards: Salim Fago Lawal.
This blend of experienced and emerging players indicates a strategic approach to rebuilding and strengthening the Nigerian national team for future competitions.
Beyond Tella, several other prominent players also found themselves excluded from the squad. These notable absentees include:
- Ola Aina: The Nottingham Forest defender was a standout performer for Nigeria at the last AFCON. His omission raises questions about the selection criteria and the team’s defensive strategy moving forward.
- William Troost-Ekong: The retired captain, a long-serving and influential figure for the Super Eagles, will not be part of the squad, marking the end of an era for the national team.
- Benjamin Fredrick: The defender’s absence is attributed to injury, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the team in maintaining a fully fit squad.
The decision to overlook Tella, despite his form and recovery, underscores the competitive nature of the Nigerian squad and the difficult choices faced by the coaching staff. For Bayer Leverkusen, however, Tella’s continued availability offers a boost, allowing him to contribute to their domestic and European campaigns without interruption. His experience, pace, and goal-scoring threat will remain vital assets for the Bundesliga leaders as they navigate the demanding fixture schedule. The club will undoubtedly be pleased to retain his services during the period when he would have been representing Nigeria.
