By Our Correspondent

Bayer Leverkusen winger, Nathan Tella says missing out on a place in Nigeria’s squad to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was difficult for him to take.

Tella made his international debut for the Super Eagles in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Warriors of Zimbabwe in November 2023.

The 24-year-old was however not included in the AFCON 2023 Super Eagles squad

Tella reflected on his debut against the Warriors and disappointment of not making the AFCON squad.

“It was good. I have always wanted to play international football. I never played international football when I was younger,” the Arsenal graduate told Bundesliga International.

“So, for me, it was my first experience to be part of an international team and it was good! It was a good opportunity to play and see what international football was like. In my head, I wanted to play in the African Cup of Nations and I wasn’t called up.

“I was quite disappointed but then, at the same time, I looked at it as an opportunity to play here.”