Nathan Tella outshines Boniface to mark Super Eagles call-up with stunning first goal for Bayer Leverkusen

England-born forward Nathan Tella enjoyed a momentous occasion as he celebrated his first call-up to the Nigeria Super Eagles in style. 

Tella marked this significant milestone by delivering an excellent super-sub performance as he came from the bench to net his first goal for Bayer Leverkusen in an emphatic 4-0 demolition of Union Berlin on Sunday. 

The inclusion of the 24-year-old in Jose Peseiro’s latest Super Eagles squad had already set the stage for celebration. 

Tella was the obvious addition as Peseiro released his 23-man squad for the upcoming WCQ against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

He became the latest Leverkusen star to earn his first invite to the Nigeria Super Eagles, after fan favourite, Victor Boniface. 

The match between Bayer and Union Berlin saw the forward start on the bench as has become customary following his 20 million pound move from Southampton in the summer.

It was a game that would present the latest Nigerian international with an early opportunity to showcase his ability before joining his new national teammates

With Die Werkself leading 3-0, Tella came off the bench and wasted no time in making his mark. 

In a blistering counter-attacking move, he was set through on goal and from the tightest of angles, Tella let fly an outrageous effort into the top right corner to wrap up the commanding win for Xavi Alonso’s men. 

The fans erupted in cheers as Tella’s celebration mirrored the elation and relief of scoring his first goal.  

A combination of Tella’s Super Eagles call-up and his sensational first goal for Leverkusen have created a narrative of double victories.

Tella’s versatility and skill were on display, underscoring the potential that earned him a spot in the Nigerian national side.

On a day that his compatriot, Boniface, was expertly caged and silenced, Tella’s goal served as the icing on the cake for Bundesliga leaders, who once again were rampant.