Head coach of Bayer Leverkusen Xabi Alonso has provided an update that clears the air on the real reason why Nathan Tella snubbed an invitation to be part of the Super Eagles squad for the world cup qualifiers, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Since not playing a single minute in two straight friendly games against Ghana and Mali respectively under former coach Finidi George around a year ago, the 25 year old hasn’t honored the two invitations that he has been sent.
He was invited for the world cup qualifiers games against South Africa and Benin Republic respectively last year, but turned it down citing an unnamed family issue as his reason.
Tella was once again named in the squad for the games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe respectively, but declined the invitation citing illness as his reason. However they were doubts about the authenticity of his claims as it was the second time in a row that he had turned down an invitation.
However Alonso’s explanation on his current state at the club ahead of their DFB-POKAL semi final game against Arminia proved that he was truly unwell, hence his decision to snub the chance to add to his solitary cap for Nigeria, which came in the world cup qualifiers 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe at their adopted home ground in South Africa.
“Nathan [Tella feels] way better. We train now, but if there is no problem [during the session], he is in the squad [against Bielefeld tomorrow]”, Alonso said confirming his return from what kept him out of the international games for Nigeria.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
