Bayer 04 Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella, has called for the attention of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, by scoring against Molde last evening npflupdates.com reports.
Also read: NFF Moves To Recruit More Abroad-Born Nigerians
On Thursday away at Molde, Nathan Tella doubled Bayer Leverkusen’s advantage in the 18th minute. He benefitted from a through ball by Adam Hlozek, and hit the ball low into the far corner.
The former Southampton FC winger was clearly excited to have gotten on the scoresheet, as that was his first ever goal for Leverkusen since joining last transfer window.
The Arsenal academy product went ahead to thank Hlozek for assisting him to score his first goal; and of course drawing the attention of the NFF scouting team.
Nathan Tella draws NFF attention with impressive strike at Molde
“Obviously it’s a great feeling, more importantly we got the win. I am really happy on an individual note to get my first goal,” Tella told Bayer Leverkusen’s official website in a post-match presser.
According to the Super Eagles prospect, it has quite been a herculean task for him since arriving Germany from England. He however confessed his manager’s assurance of more game time, so he can regain his confidence and form.
“It has been a tough start to my time here but the manager assured me that I will get a run of games and I will get the confidence and today was a good step for me,” he continued.
“I am a forward, I always want to be involved in goals, whether scoring or assisting. I had a chance in the last Europa League game and I didn’t take it.”
Also read: Nathan Tella : I’m Nigerian, NFF Come And Get Me
He added, “I felt that today if I had the opportunity I wanted to take it and thankfully Adam played a great pass, he did all the hard work for me and I was able to just finish so thank you to Adam.”
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso, took out time to applaud Tella, stressing that the goal from the Nigerian was great.
“The first half was good, our three strikers did what I wanted. The first goal for Nathan Tella, that was great,” the former Real Madrid player said.
“We prepared well. There was a moment when we played with the result, not with the game anymore. When you want to defend the result, it can happen like that.”
Alonso speaking about the game at Molde, appreciated the Norwegian club for its quality, while at the same time expressing satisfaction for taking all three points.
“In the second half we didn’t have enough intensity. There is still a lot to do, a lot to learn. We can do better, but we also have to respect Molde. They did a good job. We are relieved to fly home with the three points,” Alonso stated.
In a related development, Nathan Tella, made it clear that he’s anticipating a Super Eagles call-up, having completed switching his international allegiance to Nigeria.
“I’ve always said for the last three or four years that Nigeria is a big part of my life – even though I’ve been an ‘England boy’ from London all my life,” the player was quoted by a German publication, Bild.
“If I got the chance to play for Nigeria, I would be more than happy and accept it. I’ve already told my parents and friends that I would do that.”
According to the 24-year-old, to get nominated, one must work for it; adding that he’s already working towards improving ok himself to stand a chance for a call-up.
Also read: Nathan Tella : I’ve Always Been An “England Boy ” But A Super Eagle
“You’re not just nominated like that, You have to work for it and earn it. I want to prove myself here if I get the chance to play. I want to develop further, help the team and the club – if a call comes for an international call-up, that would be a bonus,” he concluded.
