The Super Eagles’ preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have been dealt a significant blow with the withdrawal of Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella due to injury.
Tella was initially included in the final 23-man roster released on Tuesday, but his injury has forced him to pull out of the squad. The 25-year-old Tella remained on the bench as Bayer Leverkusen fell 0-2 to Bayern Munich in their Champions League Round of 16 clash on Tuesday. It is unclear how severe his injury is, but it is severe enough to keep him out of Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures during the international break.
In response to Tella’s injury, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has swiftly called up Gent defender Jordan Torunarigha as a replacement. Torunarigha, who has been in impressive form for his club, will join the Super Eagles squad as they prepare to face Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.
The Super Eagles are currently preparing for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and Tella’s injury is a significant setback for the team. However, with Torunarigha’s inclusion, the team’s defensive options have been bolstered, and they will be looking to him to make an impact.
Torunarigha’s call-up is a testament to his impressive form for Gent, where he has been a regular starter. The defender has been in excellent form, and his inclusion in the Super Eagles squad is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work.
The Super Eagles will be facing Rwanda and Zimbabwe in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, and these matches are crucial for their chances of qualifying for the tournament. With Tella’s injury, the team’s attacking options have been reduced, but they will be looking to other players to step up and fill the void.
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The Super Eagles’ squad has been hit by several injuries in recent times, and Tella’s withdrawal is the latest setback. However, the team’s coaching staff is confident that they have the depth and quality to overcome these challenges and achieve their goals.
In a statement, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle expressed his disappointment at Tella’s injury but welcomed Torunarigha to the squad. “We are disappointed to lose Nathan to injury, but we are confident that Jordan will be a valuable addition to our squad,” Chelle said.
