Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella has refuted reports in some section of the Nigerian media claiming that he deliberately refused to honor the call up to be a part of the team for the world cup qualifiers, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Tella was invited by former coach Finidi George for the world cup qualifiers games against South Africa and Benin Republic respectively, but didn’t turn up for the games citing family issues.
He declined the invitation after playing zero minutes under the same coach in two consecutive friendly games against Ghana and Mali respectively.
Upon his appointment new coach Eric Chelle handed him a call up to be a part of the squad for the games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe respectively in the world cup qualifiers and just like it was under Finidi he declined.
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Speaking to the official media channel of the team, Tella addressed the concerns by explaining why he missed the games in question. ” I’m happy to be back, I think. There’s been this perception that I didn’t want to play for the national team and that’s never been the case. I’ve just been unfortunate with an injury happening the last time I got called up. But, you know, I’m happy. I’m happy to be here, happy to be back, and boys are happy and honored to represent”, he explained.
“I mean, it gives me a chance to connect, connect to my roots represent the country of my family myself and gives me a chance to play with friends, you know. I’m able to pay for the country, and I met for my country, so I’m able to play with some of the best players in the country. So it’s a brilliant opportunity for me to improve as a player and also experience new things”.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
