Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report that Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella has been left out of Nigeria's final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes had earlier indicated on Friday that the Hale End Academy graduate was set to feature in the tournament. 

However, Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has opted against including Tella, with several other players preferred ahead of him in the pecking order.

Chelle's squad includes four wingers: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham), Moses Simon (Paris FC), and Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla). 

Leading the line among the strikers is Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen, joined by Trabzonspor’s Paul Onuachu, Panathinaikos' Cyriel Dessers, Sevilla's Akor Adams, and former Nigeria U20 international Salim Fago Lawal.

Tella has not featured for the Super Eagles since appearing in the Unity Cup against Jamaica on May 31, 2025. 

The 26-year-old had been sidelined for an extended period due to a knee injury, only returning to competitive action on November 22. 

Since his comeback, Tella has made six appearances, accumulating just 68 minutes on the pitch.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel