Nigeria Are Dealt Another Blow Ahead of Their Bafana Clash After Nathan Tella Pulls Out of the Squad
- Bayer Leverkusen star Nathan Tella cited family reasons for pulling out of the Nigeria squad ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Bafana on Friday, 7 June 2024
- The midfielder is the second player to pull out of the squad after star striker Victor Osimhen was ruled out through injury
- Local netizens took to social media to voice their frustration with Tella while they believe the Super Eagles have options
PAY ATTENTION: Let yourself be inspired by real people who go beyond the ordinary! Subscribe and watch our new shows on Briefly TV Life now!
Source: Getty Images
Midfielder Nathan Tella ruled himself out of the Nigeria squad to face Bafana on Friday, 7 June 2024, due to family reasons.
Tella will miss the Super Eagles' 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier match, marking Finidi George's debut as Nigeria's head coach.
Nigeria suffer another withdrawal
The NFF confirmed Tella's absence via their Twitter (X) account:
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
According to the tweet, the Super Eagles have named a replacement for Tella, while star striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out through injury.
The statement read:
"Nathan Tella of Bayer Leverkusen has excused himself from the upcoming WCQ matches due to family reasons. Coach Finidi George has now called up Ibrahim Olawoyin of Caykur Rizespor of Turkey."
Football fans are frustrated with Tella
Football supporters took to social media to voice their frustrations with Tella and to state that the Super Eagles have enough options to cover his absence.
Jimoh Olanrewaju praised Nigeria's backup plan:
"Ibrahim Olawoyin had a good season for Rizespor of Turkey and will be a good replacement for Tella."
Read also
Burnley FC striker Lyle Foster survives Hugo Broos' final cut to remain in the Bafana squad
Oladapo Oluwatobiloba gave the real reason for Tella's absence:
"He knew he wouldn't be used. Hence, he seeks a way out. If you're the one, you will act similarly."
Tope Fowowe was upset:
"Nathan Tella is unserious and should be sidelined from the national team!"
Amax Willy thinks it is a bad omen:
"This is the sign of defeat for Nigeria in the end."
Nnaji Henry Chinonso applauded NIgeria's team selection:
"I like the combination of home base and foreign players."
Lyle Foster makes the Bafana squad
Briefly News reported that Burnley FC striker Lyle Foster made the final cut for Hugo Broos' Bafana squad for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers in June 2024.
The English-based forward has been recalled to the Bafana squad after Broos said he was satisfied with the player's recovery from health issues.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
