SPORTS
Tella Extends Leverkusen Contract Till 2031
Bayer Leverkusen have announced that Nathan Tella has extended his contract with the club until 2031, showing their long-term commitment to the winger despite an injury-affected campaign.
The 26-year-old, who joined the Bundesliga side from Southampton in 2023, had initially been contracted until 2028 but has now agreed fresh terms that will keep him at the club for an additional three years.
The Nigerian international expressed his satisfaction with the extension, noting that he feels settled at the club and optimistic about its future trajectory.
The forward described the new deal as a reflection of his strong connection with the club and his belief in its long-term ambitions.
“This is an expression of a special relationship. I really feel at home at Bayer 04, the first few years have seen a lot of fantastic successes,” he told the club website.
“It’s great fun to now be part of the development of a new and powerful team. I’m sure we will achieve our goals again in the coming years.”
While confirming the development in an official statement on Tuesday, the club said both the player’s versatility and his growing importance within the squad.
“Nathan Tella signs a new deal with Bayer 04 to 2031. Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule,” the club stated.
“The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.”
Since his arrival, Tella has become a valued member of the squad, although injuries have limited his involvement this season. He has made 12 Bundesliga appearances this season, starting five matches and averaging 42 minutes per game, with a total of 507 minutes played.
While he is yet to score in the league this term, the winger has contributed two assists and created two big chances, posting an expected assists figure of 1.27.
His attacking output also includes an expected goals value of 1.14, though he has missed two big chances and is still seeking his first goal of the campaign.
Tella has averaged 19.2 touches per game and maintained an 83 per cent pass accuracy, completing 8.6 passes per match, with stronger distribution in his own half. His versatility across attacking positions and ability to influence play have continued to make him a useful option for the team despite limited minutes.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will find out their opponents for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games women’s football qualifiers this week.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Tuesday that the draw for the African qualifying series will take place on Wednesday at its headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 12 noon and will be streamed live on CAF TV.
A total of 35 national teams, including Super Falcons will participate in the qualifiers, which will be played over five rounds.
The other countries are; Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea.
Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe are the other countries that will take part in the qualifiers.
Two teams will earn Africa’s slots at the women’s football tournament of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The Super Falcons and Copper Queens of Zambia represented the continent at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.
The Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF) monthly tournament returns on Saturday, celebrating founder Wale Edun’s 70th birthday marked on Monday, April 20.
“This special edition honours our founder’s enduring legacy,” said Mr David Mohamed, LBHF Director, in a statement issued on Thursday.
The tournament will be held at Agege Stadium in Lagos State.
Founded in 2010 by Edun, LBHF is widely regarded as Nigeria’s and Africa’s longest-running amateur boxing tournament.
Until Tuesday, Edun was the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, before resigning his post on health grounds.
“The initiative provides a platform for young boxers to train and gain exposure,” Mohamed said, noting its role in grassroots boxing development.
As a non-profit organisation, LBHF has nurtured talents who have achieved national and international success.
“This edition doubles as a tribute to Edun, whose vision has shaped many boxing careers,” Mohamed added.
Action begins with Fatade Juwon facing Abiodun Yusuf in the men’s 50kg category.
Tajudeen Yekini will then confront Adele Faruq in the 55kg division.
In the men’s 60kg category, Tajudeen Rasheed meets Ogunleye Aliazeem, while Mosuru Adedeji battles Innocent Prosper.
Exhibition bouts will feature Princess Adeola against Zainab Ibrahim in the women’s 28kg category, and Adeseye Kalid versus Saliu Razak in the men’s 34kg division.
The sole women’s main-card clash will see Oluwatoyin Amirat face Aminashaun Raheemo in the 48kg division.
Wahab Ramadan will meet Lawal Opeyemi in the men’s 70kg bout, before Makinde Mohamed faces Ibadiaro Idris in the 75kg category.
The event concludes with Lawal Mohammed against Oluwapo Oluwaseun in the men’s 80kg title bout.
Over the years, LBHF has developed talents like Taiwo “Esepo” Agbaje, producing fighters who have represented Nigeria with distinction.
“This celebration reinforces our mission to sustain boxing as a pathway for young Nigerians,” Mohamed said.
English and Italian football giants Manchester City, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Juventus will square up for pre-season friendlies in Hong Kong in August, the clubs announced yesterday.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, currently arm-wrestling Arsenal for the Premier League title, will take on Inter Milan on Saturday, August 1, spearheaded by their Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland.
The match will kick off the “Hong Kong Football Festival” at the city’s futuristic 50,000-seat Kai Tak stadium.
The gleaming arena opened a year ago, featuring a roof that can be closed and air-conditioning to combat the fierce summer heat and humidity in Hong Kong.
Chelsea will play Juventus on Wednesday August 5 to round off the mini-tournament.
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