Nathan Tella made his first Bundesliga appearance of the 2026-27 season on Saturday. The Nigerian forward featured as Bayer Leverkusen defeated FSV Mainz 05 in a thrilling 4-3 encounter at the MEWA Arena, Bold Sports reports.
The 2023-24 Bundesliga champions welcomed Tella back after a back problem sidelined him for their opening four league matches. Before Saturday’s encounter, the 27-year-old had played only once this season. That appearance came in Leverkusen’s 4-0 DFB-Pokal victory over Wehen Wiesbaden, where he featured for the final 25 minutes.
Tella returns after injury absence
Tella used the three-week international break to regain his fitness. His recovery earned him a place in Leverkusen’s Bundesliga matchday squad for the first time this campaign.
Manager Carles Martínez introduced the Super Eagles forward with 15 minutes of normal time remaining. Leverkusen held a 4-2 advantage when Tella replaced Afonso Moreira.
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His return provides another attacking option for Leverkusen as the season progresses. However, the Nigerian will hope to earn more minutes after missing the opening weeks of the league campaign.
Leverkusen survive Mainz comeback
Leverkusen started strongly and established a two-goal lead through Robert Andrich and Patrik Schick. However, Mainz responded before half-time through Anthony Caci, who scored twice to restore parity.
The contest remained open after the break. Jarell Quansah and Moussa Diaby struck for the visitors, giving Leverkusen a two-goal cushion once again.
Mainz refused to surrender and continued searching for a response. Benedict Hollerbach scored late in the match, but his effort could not prevent the hosts from losing 4-3.
Leverkusen ultimately secured all three points in a seven-goal contest. The victory also marked Tella’s return to Bundesliga action after his injury layoff.
Boniface remains an unused substitute
Another Nigerian forward, Victor Boniface, watched the contest from the bench. The striker did not feature as Leverkusen completed their narrow victory.
Tella’s return gives Leverkusen another option in attack. The former Hale End Academy graduate will now look to build his match fitness and establish a regular role in the team’s Bundesliga campaign.
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