Super Eagles: Hamburg star explains why he thrives in Eric Chelle’s system – Chukwueze’s warning?

Super Eagles winger Philip Otele says he has the attributes to become a key right‑wing option as Nigeria readies for the 2026 Unity Cup in London, Afrik‑Foot reports.

The 27‑year‑old Hamburg forward is among the new players called up by coach Éric Chelle for the four‑nation tournament at The Valley, where Nigeria will defend their title against Zimbabwe on May 26.

Otele arrives at a pivotal moment for the Super Eagles’ attack. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are almost guaranteed starters at centre‑forward and left‑wing, but the right side has remained a topic of debate.

Despite his talent and experience, Samuel Chukwueze has struggled to secure the position for Nigeria in recent months. That has opened the door for competition, with Otele and Millwall winger Femi Azeez both given chances to impress during the Unity Cup.

Former CFR Cluj winger Otele has explained why he believes his style can offer Chelle something new in the final third.

“The way I play is kind of dynamic. I can go in behind with pace,” the 27‑year‑old told Proudly Austin.

“I can link up play as well. I can finish, I can cross, assist. It’s a little bit of everything so I can bring this dynamic nature.”

Those qualities could make him an attractive option on the right flank. Unlike a traditional touchline winger, Otele blends direct runs with physicality and movement across the front line. In the 2025‑26 season he scored six goals and provided four assists while playing for FC Basel and Hamburger SV.

That versatility is particularly valuable for Chelle, who is using the Unity Cup to test tactical variations and new attacking combinations ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Super Eagles: Otele embracing Chelle’s tactical demands

Otele was among the first players to arrive at camp and has quickly settled into the squad environment.

“It has been very good. I’m really grateful for this opportunity. The coaching staff, the players, everyone has been so welcoming. I am really proud to be with this team,” Otele added.

The winger made his Super Eagles debut in Nigeria’s 2‑2 draw against Jordan on March 31, coming on for Frank Onyeka late in the game. Although he played only nine minutes, he said the experience gave him a clearer understanding of Chelle’s tactical ideas.

“I saw the way the boys played, the system. It is a type of system that fits my playing style and I just got to understand how we play better, try to learn from it,” he said.

That may be another reason Otele believes he can challenge for the right‑wing role. Chelle’s system demands aggressive pressing, quick transitions and flexible movement from wide attackers—attributes that closely match Otele’s strengths.

He also praised the attitude of the home‑based players training with the squad, insisting the competition level inside camp has been intense.

“It is good. You can see everyone is hungry, they are hungry to take the next step to join the team. They are motivated, so it has been good to train with them,” he said.

Nigeria enter the Unity Cup as defending champions and could face either Jamaica or India in the final on May 30 if they beat Zimbabwe.