The Nigeria Football Federation has released a provisional 39-man squad for the crucial matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, with the duo earning a recall after being left out in recent times.
Tella, who has been in excellent form for the reigning German champions, is expected to boost the attack of the three-time African champions as they aim to revive their World Cup hopes.
Also returning to the national team are Rangers' prolific striker Cyriel Dessers, Gent defender Jordan Torunarigha, Sevilla's Chidera Ejuke, and goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo.
Reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, along with Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, William Troost-Ekong, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Boniface, are also part of the star-studded squad.
In the goalkeeping department, Eric Chelle will anticipate strong competition for a starting spot between CAF Awards nominee Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Kayode Bankole and Tanzania-based Anas Obasogie.
Thanks to their impressive displays in the Nigeria Professional Football League, Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha and Rangers International's Ifeanyi Onyebuchi have earned a maiden call-up to the senior team, while Anthony Dennis of Goztepe and Tolu Arokodare would be eyeing their first cap with the three-time African kings.
Nigeria will face Rwanda away on March 16 before hosting the Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium seven days later.
After four matches, the 2013 African champions sit in fifth place with just three points, four points behind leaders Rwanda, with six games left to play in the qualifying series.
Having missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a playoff defeat to eternal rivals Ghana, the Nigerian team aims for a return to the global stage, seeking to improve on their round-of-16 finishes at USA '94, France '98, and Brazil 2014.
