Nigerian forward Nathan Tella has declared Bayer Leverkusen’s ambition to win the UEFA Europa League, insisting that the German club are determined to reach the final scheduled for Frankfurt in May 2027.

Tella made the declaration during a pre-match press conference on Wednesday ahead of Leverkusen’s away fixture against Polish side Lech Poznań, reflecting on the club’s memorable run in the competition during the 2023/24 season.

Leverkusen reached the final that campaign after an unbeaten run through the tournament but ultimately suffered a 3-0 defeat to Italian side Atalanta in Dublin.

Recalling the memorable European nights from that season, the Nigerian international said the team were eager to build on their previous achievements and recent performances as they pursue another successful campaign.

“Those were magical nights. We want to build on those, as well as the last few games,” Tella was quoted as saying by Leverkusen’s official website.

The 27-year-old also explained the personal importance of the competition, which provided him with some of his first experiences of European football after joining Leverkusen.

“This competition means a lot to me. They were my first games in Europe,” he added.

Tella scored his first goal for Leverkusen in the Europa League during a 2-1 victory over Molde on October 5, 2023. He was subsequently part of the squad that reached the final in Dublin, where the German club’s hopes of lifting the trophy were ended by Atalanta.

Despite that disappointment, the forward remains focused on helping Leverkusen go one step further this season and challenge for European silverware.

Emphasising the club’s ambitions, Tella said their objective remained unchanged as they set their sights on the final in Frankfurt.

“Our ambitions haven’t changed. We go into a competition to win it. We want to be there in Frankfurt in May. That’s our aspiration,” he concluded.

Leverkusen began their 2026/27 Europa League campaign with a 2-0 home victory over Slovenian side NK Celje.

They are scheduled to face Polish champions Lech Poznań on Thursday, October 15, as they seek another three points in the league phase and continue their pursuit of a place in the final.

For Tella, the campaign offers another opportunity to make his mark in a competition that holds special significance in his European career, while helping Leverkusen turn their ambitions into a title-winning run.