Philip Otele has described his first appearance for the Nigeria national football team as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.
The Hamburger SV winger, currently on loan from FC Basel, made his senior debut on Tuesday in Nigeria’s 2-2 draw with Jordan national football team in Antalya. He came on late in the match, replacing Frank Onyeka.
Otele’s call up had come as a surprise after he was initially included in Éric Chelle’s provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations but missed out on the final list earlier in the year.
“I am very happy to be here; it’s a pleasure for my family and me, and I want to say a huge thank you to God first,” he said. “For me, it was a dream come true. We always play football to represent the national team, so I always wanted to play for Nigeria, and it was a big moment for my family and me.”
The forward added that his long time support for the team made the moment even more special. “I am proud of this moment. As a player, playing for your national team gives you that extra boost. Being here is a huge thing for me because I am a patriotic fan, and I have been following the team for a long time.”
Otele is among several new players being integrated into the squad during the Antalya training camp, alongside Emmanuel Fernandez and Yira Sor, as Chelle continues to expand his options ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
