Super Eagles star who won double with club pulls out of squad for World Cup qualifiers

Bayer Leverkusen star Nathan Tella has withdrawn from the Super Eagles squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

The 24-year-old cited family reasons for his decision to pull out of the upcoming fixtures.

Tella, who enjoyed a successful season with Bayer Leverkusen, winning both the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal titles, will be replaced by Ibrahim Olawoyin from Caykur Rizespor in Turkey.

The announcement was made by the Super Eagles official handle on Thursday, May 30:

“WCQ Camp Update: 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.”

Despite his promising talent, Tella has only made one appearance for the Super Eagles so far.

Olawoyin, who has been in fine form in the Turkish top-flight this season, earns his first call-up to the national team, marking a significant milestone in the career of the former Rangers player.