Nathan Tella expresses sadness over the recent snub by interim coach of the Super Eagles Finidi George; npflupdates.com reports.
Tella who missed out on the squad for the 2023 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast made the Super Eagles list during the last international break.
Also read: Nathan Tella Revealed Important Reason He Wants A Super Eagles Debut
According to his representative who spoke to Owngoal Nigeria; the former FC Burnley winger was in high spirit when he was traveling for the international duties.
But was left dejected after he was an unused substitute in Nigeria’s two friendly fixtures against Ghana and Mali by Finidi George.
Also, other players who didn’t get to play in any of the friendly games are Ojo Olorunleke, Sadiq Umar and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. An action which led to forward Sadiq Umar not shaking hands with the interim manager.
What was said about Nathan Tella and Super Eagles interim coach
“No reason was given to him (Tella) by the coach. Not even a word of encouragement after the disappointment,” Tella’s representative told Owngoal.
According to the representative, being an unused substitute in friendly games, may have somehow affected the player’s chances of playing at tye world cup qualifiers.
“He arrived in the camp with his spirit really high but left felling unwanted. He probably has lost the chance of getting into the squad for the world cup qualifiers in June. He will however keep doing his best”, he said.
In another story, goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali denies speculations he’s been offered a chance to play in Europe.
According to the Chippa United shot-stopper, since after the 2023 AFCON, no offer has been put forward on his table, despite wide spread speculations in the local and international media.
“You see, to be honest, I’ve never seen anything on my table ever since AFCON,” Nwabali told FARPost.
“Maybe those clubs might have spoken to my team or my manager. But at this point, we can’t do anything.
“And they can’t approach me because it would be unprofessional. They must go to my club or my manager.
He added, “So I don’t know if there’s something on the table maybe waiting for towards summer or transfer window. You know most clubs always do this. When they show interest, you’re opening the way to some other clubs.
Also read: Tella Scores 1st Bundesliga Goal As He Celebrates Super Eagles Call-Up
“So, some people always keep it a secret, and when they get you, they get you once. For now, I know nothing.”
Nwabali was outstanding for Nigeria at the 2023 AFCON, where he kept four cleansheets and helped the team reach its first ever final in a decade.