Nigeria internationals Nathan Tella and Igoh Ogbu opened their goal accounts for the 2025-2026 campaign with important strikes for Bayer Leverkusen and Slavia Prague respectively, strengthening their cases for inclusion in the Super Eagles' Unity Cup squad. 

Manager Eric Chelle has announced plans to hand call-ups to fringe Super Eagles players, emerging talents of Nigerian descent, and Nigeria Premier Football League stars for this month's tournament at the Valley.

While Tella has not featured for the three-time African champions since last year's Unity Cup, Ogbu has started only two competitive matches since making his senior debut in May 2025.

Making his seventeenth Bundesliga appearance of the season, Tella was outstanding as he scored and provided an assist to help Bayer Leverkusen to a convincing 4-1 win over RB Leipzig.

Bayer Leverkusen took the lead in the 25th minute through Patrik Schick, who slotted home from a cutback by Tella, before the Nigerian side-footed in from close range to double the advantage at minute 45.

Elsewhere, Ogbu, who has struggled for playing opportunities due to injuries and loss of form, opened the scoring as Slavia Prague defeated FC Slovan Liberec 2-1 at the U Nisy Stadium.

Making just his tenth start of the season in the Chance Liga, Ogbu guided in a cross from Lukáš Provod in the 18th minute. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel