Fresh from scoring his first goal in the Bundesliga, FC Basel loanee Philip Otele is poised to make his international debut for the Super Eagles during the March internationals in Antalya, Turkey.

The Hamburg winger was included in Nigeria's provisional 54-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but with players like Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon ahead of him in Eric Chelle’s pecking order, he was omitted from the final roster.

Back in February 2026, in an interview with Hamburg's official website, Otele described a potential Super Eagles call-up as a distant ambition, stressing that it would require patience and consistent hard work.

However, his move to a club in one of Europe's top five leagues during the winter transfer market boosted his profile and led to his maiden invitation to the Super Eagles. 

"I'm working extremely hard to one day get the chance to play for the national team. For a footballer, that's an absolute highlight. But right now it's just a dream that I can only fulfill step by step and with hard work," Otele said last month.

Otele also revealed his lifelong support for Arsenal, admitting that he has been a fan since childhood.

" I grew up as an Arsenal fan and still follow the club to this day. I hope they can win the Premier League this year."

Otele could earn his first cap for Nigeria on March 27 versus Iran, with a second opportunity against Jordan four days later. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel