Tella scores first goal in 458 days

Nathan Tella ended a 458-day wait for a goal with a standout performance for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring and providing an assist in their emphatic victory over RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga ON Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Nigerian forward’s strike was his first since finding the net in Leverkusen’s 2-0 UEFA Champions League win against Sparta Praha on January 29, 2025, marking a long-awaited return to the scoresheet following a spell disrupted by injuries.

Since that previous goal, Tella had featured sparingly, managing just 24 appearances due to recurring fitness issues that hampered his rhythm and consistency during the current campaign.

Against Leipzig, however, the 26-year-old delivered a decisive display, first contributing an assist for Patrik Schick’s opener before getting on the scoresheet himself, timing his run perfectly to finish from close range and double his side’s advantage before half-time.

Leverkusen went on to secure a 4-1 victory, ending Leipzig’s five-game winning run and boosting their own push towards a top-four finish with two matches remaining in the season.

Tella’s return to form comes at a crucial stage for Leverkusen, who are currently sixth in the Bundesliga standings, just two points behind the UEFA Champions League qualification places.

He recently signed a long-term contract extension, keeping him at the club until June 30, 2031.

His resurgence also follows a personal milestone, having made his 100th appearance for the club in their recent 2-1 win over Köln, where he registered an assist in a composed performance.

Tella’s journey at Leverkusen has included both success and setbacks.

He was part of the squad that secured a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title under Xabi Alonso two years ago, contributing with his versatility and energy, while last term he recorded four goals and five assists in 39 appearances.

However, injuries have limited his impact this season, leading to speculation over his future ahead of the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting the club could consider a loan move or permanent departure.

On the international stage, inconsistent playing time has affected his involvement with the Super Eagles. Since making his debut in 2023, he has struggled to establish himself as a regular and has yet to feature officially under Eric Chelle, with his only appearance being the Unity Cup against Jamaica last year.

With his form now improving, Tella will hope to build momentum in the closing weeks of the Bundesliga campaign and strengthen his case for inclusion in Nigeria’s upcoming international fixtures in May and June.