Nigeria internationals Nathan Tella and Igoh Ogbu have both scored in their respective leagues during the 2025-2026 season, boosting their chances of being included in the Super Eagles’ upcoming Unity Cup squad. Tella delivered a standout performance for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring and assisting in a 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig, while Ogbu opened the scoring for Slavia Prague in a 2-1 win against FC Slovan Liberec. These performances come as manager Eric Chelle prepares to announce call-ups for fringe Super Eagles players, emerging talents of Nigerian descent, and top Nigerian Premier Football League stars for the tournament at the Valley this month.
Tella, who has not featured for the Super Eagles since last year’s Unity Cup, made his 17th Bundesliga appearance of the season and was instrumental in Leverkusen’s dominant win. He set up Patrik Schick for the opening goal in the 25th minute with a precise cutback, then doubled the lead himself just before halftime with a calm side-footed finish from close range. His performance highlighted his continued form and importance to Leverkusen’s attack, reinforcing his status as a key player for Nigeria’s national team selection.
Meanwhile, Ogbu, who has struggled for consistent playing time since his senior debut in May 2025, marked his 10th start of the season with a crucial goal. Playing for Slavia Prague in the Chance Liga, he netted in the 18th minute by guiding in a cross from Lukáš Provod. Despite setbacks from injuries and a dip in form, Ogbu’s goal demonstrated his ability to deliver when called upon, making him a strong contender for the Unity Cup squad.
The Unity Cup, set to take place at the Valley, will serve as a platform for players who are not part of the core Super Eagles squad to showcase their talent. Manager Eric Chelle’s decision to include emerging talents and domestic league stars underscores the team’s commitment to developing depth and identifying future stars. The tournament will also give players like Tella and Ogbu a chance to prove their worth on the national stage after their recent club performances.
With both players now on the scoresheet and showing consistent contributions, their names are likely to feature prominently in Chelle’s selection. The upcoming tournament could be a turning point for their international careers, especially as Nigeria continues to build toward future continental and global competitions. Their performances this season have already drawn attention, and the Unity Cup may be the next step in solidifying their places in the national team.
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