Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has proven to be a man of his word after delivering on his promise to hand a call-up to Hamburg's winter signing Philip Otele for the national team's first international fixtures of 2026.

The former CFR Cluj goal poacher was named in Nigeria's 54-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but was fully aware before the tournament in Morocco that he had no realistic chance of making the final squad.

As exclusively reported by allnigeriasoccer.com in December 2025, Chelle informed Otele that he would first need to assess the forward in a friendly before considering him for a competitive fixture.

Barring any last-minute changes, Otele is set to be included in the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan, with an invitation letter already sent to his Bundesliga club.

The 26-year-old missed Hamburg's training on Tuesday afternoon due to illness ahead of their Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund. 

However, the issue is not serious and he is expected to return to training on Wednesday, March 17.

Since his deadline-day move to Hamburg during the winter transfer window, Otele has started five of seven possible Bundesliga matches, registering one assist.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel