Nigeria forward Nathan Tella racing against time to be fit for crucial World Cup playoff

Nigeria forward Nathan Tella is a major doubt for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff due to an injury setback.

The three-time AFCON winners missed out on automatic World Cup qualification, and are set to participate in a four-nation continental playoff to determine their fate for the global showpiece next year.

Nigeria will face Gabon in the playoff semifinal on November 13, with the final slated for November 16.

Tella, who plies his trade for Bayer Leverkusen has yet to resume full team training, with the enterprising forward reportedly set to rejoin group training next week.

Ahead of the Paris Saint Germain clash on Tuesday night, Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand has confirmed Tella’s unavailability for the clash as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

Tella, who previously missed September’s internationals against Rwanda and South Africa, had a setback when recurring pain ruled him out of Leverkusen’s recent trip to Mainz.

With Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle set to announce his preliminary squad for the World Cup qualifying playoffs this week, the winger is in a race against time to prove his fitness and earn a recall for the game against Gabon’s Panthers.

Tella made his competitive debut for Nigeria in a 2026 World Cup qualifier last November. Prior to his current injury, he had started Leverkusen’s first three Bundesliga games this season, providing two assists. His potential inclusion depends heavily on his ability to return to full training soon.

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle and his charges are determine to triumph over other three nations to book a place for the inter-confederation playoff.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to announce the venues for the playoff, which will determine the African representative in the inter-confederation qualifiers, next March.