AFCON: Nathan Tella Confirms Desire To Play For Nigeria

England-born midfielder, Nathan Tella has confirmed his desire to play for Nigeria.

Tella, who plays for Southampton in the English Premier League, said he is a Nigerian and is ready to play international football.

The 22-year-old confessed that it would be a ‘dream’ to wear the famous green and white colours of Nigeria.

Tella also insisted that he has been keeping tabs on the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cameroon because of Nigeria and his Southampton teammate Moussa Djenepo, who was in action as Mali defeated Tunisia despite several refereeing mistakes.

The ongoing 2021 AFCON may have played a key role in helping Tella arrive at that major decision.

“I would love to play international football,” Tella told HampshireLive.

“That is always been a dream of mine. If I went away with Nigeria, it would be something new and new experiences bring out the best in players.

“When I look at Che [Adams], I see that he has come back from Scotland as a more mature player. There is no reason why I can’t do that; come back a more mature person.

“Whatever happens in the future, I am just focused on being here and, yes, trying to score goals and help the team win and progress.”

He added: “I am always keeping an eye on AFCON. I am Nigerian, so I always want to focus and watch the games.

“Obviously, when I have any of my teammates (Moussa Djenepo, Mali) out there, I really want to know how they do.

“I am happy he won yesterday, despite the ending, but it was good that he was able to win, and I wish him all the best.”

Tella was born in England to Nigerian parents and he is eligible to feature for the Super Eagles.