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Philip Otele is on the brink of a major career milestone after receiving his first-ever invitation to the Super Eagles for Nigeria’s upcoming international matches, Footynaija reports.
The 26-year-old Hamburger SV winger, who only moved to the Bundesliga this January, has reportedly been called up by head coach Eric Chelle ahead of friendly fixtures against Iran and Jordan. His inclusion signals growing recognition of his steady rise across European football.
Otele had previously been named in Nigeria’s large provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but he was informed at the time that he would need to prove himself further before earning a competitive place. Chelle has now taken that next step, offering the forward a chance to impress at senior international level.
Despite a minor illness that kept him out of training earlier this week, Otele is expected to recover quickly and return to full fitness, clearing the way for his involvement with the national team.
His call-up follows a journey defined by persistence and progress. The Port Harcourt-born attacker was schooled in England and trained briefly at Arsenal before making his mark in Lithuania with Kauno Žalgiris. He later gained wider attention in Romania, where he starred for CFR Cluj and finished as a league top scorer.
A brief spell in the Middle East was followed by a return to Europe with FC Basel, where he played a key role in their domestic success. His performances earned him a move to Germany, where he has already begun adapting to the demands of the Bundesliga.
Primarily a left winger, Otele is known for his pace, direct running and ability to cut inside to create or finish chances. While his numbers at Hamburg are still building, his overall development has clearly impressed the national team coaches.
Otele will look to offer Chelle a fresh and exciting option on the right flank where Samuel Chukwueze has held sway in recent years.
