“Not impressive” – Super Eagles star berated for poor Bundesliga campaign

1 hour ago 1

ARTICLE AD BOX

“Not impressive” – Super Eagles star berated for poor Bundesliga campaign

Former Nigeria and FC Saarbrucken striker Sambo Choji has weighed in on Philip Otele’s loan spell with Bundesliga side Hamburger SV, Afrik Foot reports.

The 27-year-old joined Merlin Pozlin’s side on loan from FC Basel in the winter transfer window, starting seven of nine league games for Die Rothosen.

Otele managed to score a goal and set up one goal, alongside a red card, in his time at the Volksparkstadion.

Referee Florian Exner issues a red card for violent misconduct to Philip Otele of Hamburg

Super Eagles: Sambo Choji weighs in on Otele’s Bundesliga campaign

Hamburg have decided against keeping the Super Eagles winger on a permanent deal, meaning he’ll return to Basel at the start of next season.

Choji, quizzed about Otele’s future, revealed he was disappointed with the performance of the ex-CFR Cluj attacker.

“When I saw the news on Tuesday, I was very disappointed for Philip Otele because, as a fellow Nigerian, it is always good to see our players doing well in Germany, where I also played,” he said in an interview with Footy Africa.

“It was the same feeling I had when Victor Boniface moved to Bayer Leverkusen. Unfortunately, things did not work out the way many expected for Otele.

“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.

“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,” Choji concluded.

Hamburg’s return to the Bundesliga saw them finish 13th, accruing 38 points from 34 games.

Otele, meanwhile, has been called up to Nigeria’s 2026 Unity Cup squad. He’ll be looking to face Zimbabwe next Tuesday.

Adefolahan Guerreiro" data-src="">

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Sports Writer

Adefolahan is a CAF-Accredited sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Afrik Foot, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.

With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.