Bayer Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand has said the club will benefit from Nathan Tella's omission from Nigeria's squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but acknowledged the winger's disappointment, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Tella, 26, was left out of Eric Chelle's 28-man squad despite recovering from a long-term injury.
"This is beneficial for Leverkusen, of course. But Nathan had hopes, real hopes," Hjulmand told Die Zeit, highlighting the club's gain from retaining Tella during the tournament.
Tella, a former Burnley star, had been expected to make the squad, with Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes previously hinting at his inclusion.
The winger has two caps for Nigeria and will now focus on regaining match fitness with Leverkusen.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun