Nathan Tella made his third Bundesliga appearance of the season as Bayer Leverkusen suffered a 3-0 defeat by Hoffenheim on Sunday.
The Super Eagles winger was unable to help Leverkusen recover after a goalless opening period, while fellow Nigeria international Victor Boniface remained an unused substitute throughout the match.
Hoffenheim had the better of the early chances, with Fisnik Asllani denied by Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken. At the other end, Patrik Schick sent an effort over the crossbar as both sides struggled to break the deadlock.
The game finally opened up in the 76th minute when Edmond Tapsoba brought down Asllani inside the penalty area. Andrej Kramaric took responsibility from the spot and drove the ball straight down the middle to give Hoffenheim the lead.
Leverkusen attempted to respond, but Robert Andrich was denied by Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann as the visitors searched for an equaliser.
Hoffenheim doubled their advantage in the 89th minute. Alexander Prass exchanged passes with Kramaric before sending a powerful effort from 18 yards beyond Flekken.
Prass was then shown a second yellow card immediately after scoring and was sent off for excessive celebrations, leaving Hoffenheim to see out the final stages with 10 players.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Hoffenheim continued to threaten and completed the victory in the sixth minute of added time.
Kramaric struck the crossbar before Max Moerstedt reacted quickest to the rebound, poking the ball into the net to complete a dramatic finish and secure all three points for the hosts.