Tella Misses Out on AFCON Squad

Bayer Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand has reacted to Nathan Tella’s omission from Nigeria’s 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, saying the decision benefits the club but is “a disappointment” for the winger.

Speaking before Leverkusen’s Bundesliga match against Cologne, Hjulmand said the club would gain from keeping Tella during the tournament, adding: “This is good for Leverkusen, of course. But Nathan had hopes, real hopes…”

Tella, who recently returned from a long injury spell, was not selected by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle despite earlier suggestions from sporting director Simon Rolfes that he would make the trip to Morocco.

Leverkusen will still release four players for AFCON, including Edmond Tapsoba and Ibrahim Maza.