Former Nigeria youth international Sambo Choji in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has praised Philip Otele’s deadline-day move to German side Hamburger SV (Hamburg), expressing delight at seeing another Nigerian winger take his talents to Germany.
Despite attracting interest from clubs in Turkey and France, Otele opted for a move to Germany, joining Hamburg on loan from Swiss outfit FC Basel. The deal includes an option to buy at the end of the season, with Hamburger SV paying a €1.5 million loan fee and a further €4.5 million should they decide to make the transfer permanent.
The highly rated winger is expected to add pace, creativity, and directness to Hamburg’s attack, and Choji believes the move is a significant step forward in Otele’s career. Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, the former winger, who spent most of his playing career in Germany with clubs such as Saarbrücken and Eintracht Braunschweig, said the environment would help the Nigerian develop further.
“I was happy when he eventually picked Germany as his next destination, and it is a place where he will definitely grow and become a better player,” said Choji, a member of Nigeria’s victorious 1993 FIFA U17 World Cup squad.
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Choji also highlighted Otele’s playing style as one that could stand out in German football.
“Tricky players like him are not many in Germany, so I am sure he will be in the news for good reasons very soon,” he noted.
The former youth international revealed he had taken time to study the winger’s game closely.
“I went back to check a compilation of his videos, and it further impressed me with his technique,” Choji said.
“I was a winger myself, so this actually makes me happy. I am glad he is going to Germany. The Bundesliga is very strong, but I believe he will fit in well at the club.”
Choji concluded by urging Hamburg to give the Nigerian the platform to express himself.
“Hamburg have a good player in their hands, and I hope they give him playing time and help him bring out the best in him,” he added.
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Otele arrives in Germany after an impressive campaign with FC Basel, where he featured in 32 matches this season, scoring nine goals and providing four assists numbers that underline why Hamburg moved decisively to secure his services.
