Nathan Tella played a key role for Bayer Leverkusen as they kicked off their DFB Pokal title defense with a narrow victory over Carl Zeiss Jena at Ernst-Abbe-Sportfeld, on Wednesday.

Tella started the match and was on the field for 69 minutes before being substituted.

The Nigerian international midfielder contributed significantly, winning three duels, creating three scoring opportunities, and taking two shots on goal.

Jonas Hofmann secured the win for Leverkusen with the game’s only goal.

Meanwhile, Tella’s compatriot Victor Boniface was absent from the match due to a suspension.

The forward was handed a one-game ban after making an obscene gesture toward opponents following a Supercup win against Stuttgart.