Official: Bayer Leverkusen star out of Nigeria’s games vs South Africa, Benin; Finidi calls Olawoyin as replacement

In another massive blow for the Super Eagles, Bayer Leverkusen star Nathan Tella will not be available for Nigeria’s upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month, Soccernet.ng reports.

Tella had been included in the final Super Eagles 23-man roster for the games against South Africa and the Benin Republic in June.

The former Arsenal schoolboy has been on the fringes of the Nigerian national team since making his debut last year.

With Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon out injured while Samuel Chukwueze’s availability remains shrouded in doubt, Tella would have used the opportunity to stamp his authority on the Super Eagles attack.

However, the Nigeria Football Federation on Friday confirmed that Tella will not be joining the Super Eagles for the crucial World Cup qualifiers.

WCQ Camp Update: Nathan Tella of Bayer Leverkusen has excused himself from the upcoming WCQ matches due to family reasons. Coach Finidi George has now called up Ibrahim Olawoyin of Caykur Rizespor of Turkey. #soarSuperEagles #2026WCQ pic.twitter.com/CVfNHgGbEm

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 30, 2024
The 24-year-old forward has asked to be excused from the must-win clashes due to family reasons.

Head coach Finidi George has acted quickly and invited Caykur Rizespor midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin as the replacement.

Olawoyin has been one of Nigeria’s best performers in the Turkish Super Liga this season, registering eight goals and three assists in 36 games.

A versatile midfielder, Olawoyin can feature as a central midfielder, an attacking midfielder and even as a winger.

Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr invited him for the national team in 2021. However, he did not make his debut as a second-string Nigeria side lost 4-0 to Mexico in a friendly played at the United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in California.

Olawoyin will look to play his part as Nigeria tackle South Africa on June 10 before locking horns with the Benin Republic three days later.