Nigeria's World Cup qualifying hopes suffer as Bayer Leverkusen's Nathan Tella withdraws from squad alongside Victor Osimhen. The Super Eagles face a challenging road ahead without key players. Replacement Ibrahim Olawoyin seeks to make an impact as Nigeria battles South Africa and Benin in crucial matches.
Another setback for Nigeria's national football team as Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella has withdrawn from the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin. This news compounds the absence of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, leaving the Super Eagles without two key players for the crucial matches.
Tella's withdrawal, attributed to family reasons, was confirmed by the team's official channels, prompting coach Finidi George to call up Ibrahim Olawoyin of Caykur Rizespor to replace him. The loss of both Tella and Osimhen is a major blow to Nigeria's aspirations in the qualifiers, particularly as they seek their first win in the tournament.
Tella's recent successful season with Bayer Leverkusen, where he contributed to winning the Bundesliga and the German Cup, underscores the significance of his absence. Meanwhile, Osimhen's prolific scoring record for the Super Eagles highlights the void left by his injury.
With Olawoyin stepping in as Tella's replacement, the 26-year-old will aim to make a strong impression and secure his place in the squad for future fixtures, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the team's setbacks.
