Philip Otele: Super Eagles forward tipped for Bundesliga comeback

Former Nigerian forward Sam Choji has shared his thoughts on the future of Philip Otele ahead of the summer transfer window, Afrik-Foot reports.

Otele is set to return to FC Basel following the expiration of his loan deal at Hamburg, who have decided against signing him on a permanent deal after the conclusion of the Bundesliga season.

The 26-year-old joined the German side during the January transfer window after impressing at Basel, where he had already scored nine goals before the midway point of the campaign, including two in the UEFA Europa League.

However, the Nigerian winger struggled to replicate that form in Germany. His only goal in nine Bundesliga appearances came in a 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in March. He also missed the final four matches of the season due to suspension following a red card and was left out of the squad on the final day of the campaign.

Otele also made his Super Eagles debut in March, coming off the bench during a 2-2 draw against Jordan in an international friendly in Turkey.

Sam Choji backs Otele to make Bundesliga return

Super Eagles winger Philip Otele heads into the summer transfer window eyeing another big move away from Basel, with several clubs still interested in making a move to acquire his services ahead of the new season.

Despite his underwhelming spell at Hamburg, Choji believes the winger still has what it takes to succeed in the Bundesliga and expects him to secure another move to Germany in the future.

“One goal in nine games is not really impressive for a player who arrived on loan, but I was still hoping the club would keep faith in him and activate the permanent option, which was not too expensive in my opinion”, Choji told Footy-Africa.

“I still believe we will see him again in the Bundesliga because it suits his style of play. Maybe with another club in the near future, but I sincerely wish him all the best at Basel or wherever he ends up next.”

Unity Cup 2026: Otele ready for Zimbabwe showdown

Philip Otele will now look to move on quickly from the disappointment of his Hamburg spell and focus on Nigeria’s upcoming Unity Cup campaign in London.

The 26-year-old was named in the squad announced by Eric Chelle earlier today and will be looking to earn more minutes in the green and white.

The Basel forward faces stiff competition for a place in the attack and will be aiming to impress Chelle in order to strengthen his chances of receiving more invitations in the future.

Nigeria are set to face Zimbabwe in their opening clash on Tuesday and would then face either India or Jamaica in the final of the competition, as they hope to successfully defend the title they won back in 2025.