Sports

Injury rules out Super Eagles’ Nathan Tella from upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers

...Jordan Torunarigha replaces him

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“Torunarigha has had one previous appearance for the Super Eagles, featuring in the 3-2 friendly win over Mozambique in 2024”

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has announced that Nathan Tella will no longer be part of the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Persecondnews reports that Tella, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen, has been withdrawn due to an injury, although the nature of the injury was not disclosed.

Tella had switched allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2023 and was initially named in the Eagles squad for the first two games of the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

He was, however, overlooked in subsequent selections, prompting him to vow to “work harder” to make future Eagles’ lists.

As a replacement of Tella, the NFF has called up Jordan Torunarigha, a defender with Genk in the Belgian league.

Torunarigha has had one previous appearance for the Super Eagles, featuring in the 3-2 friendly win over Mozambique in 2024.

The Super Eagles are currently struggling in the World Cup qualifiers, remaining winless after four games.

They have lost one and drawn three, placing them fifth in Group C.

The team must deliver impeccable performances in their remaining matches to revive their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the US.

Persecondnews reports that the Super Eagles will face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21, followed by a match against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, on March 25.

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