Nathan Tella has claimed Bayer Leverkusen’s Goal of the Month award for January, earning recognition for his stunning strike against Borussia Dortmund.
The former Burnley winger’s goal, a brilliant first-time volley from the edge of the box, came after a headed pass from Robert Andrich and left the opposition stunned.
It was Tella’s first Bundesliga goal of the season and a defining moment in Leverkusen’s attack.
Tella’s goal set the tone for an electrifying contest. Patrick Schick doubled Leverkusen’s lead soon after, but Jamie Bynoe-Gittens pulled one back for Dortmund in a thrilling first 15 minutes.
Jeremie Frimpong, Nordi Mukiele and Nathan Tella celebrate. (Photo by Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)
Schick later restored the two-goal cushion before Serhou Guirassy’s late effort for Dortmund ended the game at 3-2 in Leverkusen’s favor.
The goal was not only Tella’s first league goal of the season but also his first Goal of the Month award since joining the club.
Tella, who joined Bayer Leverkusen from Southampton in 2023, has seen increased playing time this season.
The 25-year-old winger has featured in 17 Bundesliga games, contributing one goal and one assist while helping Xabi Alonso’s side maintain their title challenge.
Tella edged out Alejandro Grimaldo, Florian Wirtz, and Patrick Schick to claim the individual honor.
Winning the Goal of the Month award could serve as a confidence boost for the 25-year-old as he looks to solidify his place in the team.
With Leverkusen currently second in the Bundesliga and aiming for a deep Champions League run, Tella will be eager to make a greater impact in the coming months.
Beyond club football, Tella is eyeing a return to the Nigerian national team under new coach Eric Chelle.
He hopes to earn a call-up for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
Tella last played for the Super Eagles in March 2023, when he was invited for friendly matches against Ghana and Mali.
However, with fierce competition for places in the squad, he knows he must continue proving himself to secure a spot in Chelle’s plans.
