Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella has been ruled out of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe due to injury. The Super Eagles confirmed that Tella will not be available for the upcoming matches, prompting the coaching staff to call up Gent defender Jordan Torunarigha as his replacement. With these qualifiers being must-win encounters for Nigeria, the absence of Tella is seen as a setback for the team, which is looking to strengthen its position in Group C.

Despite his current injury, Tella was included in Bayer Leverkusen’s squad for their UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on Tuesday, where he remained on the bench. The winger, who has been nursing a muscular issue, will now focus on his recovery instead of joining the national team. His absence will leave the Super Eagles without an exciting attacking option, though his replacement, Torunarigha, is expected to bolster the team’s defensive setup instead.

Tella made his international debut for Nigeria in November 2023 during a World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, a match that ended in a 1-1 draw in Rwanda. His omission from the squad comes at a critical moment, as Nigeria prepares to face Group C leaders Rwanda on March 21 in an away fixture before hosting Zimbabwe on March 25. With the Super Eagles aiming to secure maximum points in these two games, the team will need to adapt quickly to Tella’s absence and ensure they remain competitive in the race for World Cup qualification.