Arsenal youth product Nathan Tella reacts after becoming cap-tied to Nigeria

Arsenal's Hale End Academy product Nathan Tella has taken to social media to react to making his debut for Nigeria's senior national team, the Super Eagles.

The Bayer Leverkusen winger was a surprise inclusion in the starting lineup as Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe in their second group game of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Wearing the number 11 on the back of his jersey, Tella was on the Stade Huye (Butare) turf for the entirety of the first half before making way for his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Victor Boniface.

Tella was one of the three players with an Arsenal connection named in the Super Eagles' starting lineup to face the Warriors, the others being fellow Hale End graduate Alex Iwobi and ex-Arsenal U21 skipper Semi Ajayi.

Having made his competitive debut for the Super Eagles, Tella is no longer eligible to play international football for his country of birth, England. 

The 24-year-old had a quiet debut and the highlight of his performance was in the 15th minute when he led a counter-attack, beat his man and his cross was cleared out for a corner kick to Nigeria.

Writing on Instagram, Tella said: "good experience away. Happy to make my debut for Super Eagles".

Nigeria found themselves a goal down at the break with Walter Musona giving Zimbabwe the lead but Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho salvaged a draw for the Super Eagles in the 67th minute with a well-taken strike.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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