Nigerian winger Philip Otele has reached a major milestone in his professional career, playing a key role in helping FC Basel secure the Swiss Super League title for the first time since 2017.
Otele, 25, joined Basel on loan from Al Wahda in the United Arab Emirates during the January transfer window and made an immediate impact. In just 15 league appearances, he scored eight goals and provided three assists, significantly contributing to Basel’s dominant run.
Basel moved within touching distance of the title after a 5-2 win away to Lugano on Saturday. Their triumph was sealed on Sunday when second-placed Servette failed to win, settling for a goalless draw against Young Boys in Geneva. That result left Basel 11 points clear with only three games left, officially crowning them champions.
This league triumph marks Basel’s 21st Swiss title and their first in eight years, ending Young Boys’ recent grip on the championship. The team’s attacking firepower has been key to their success, scoring a league-high 82 goals — a remarkable 29 more than closest rivals Servette.
Otele’s arrival added extra pace, strength, and precision to Basel’s frontline, complementing an already potent offense. His contribution comes on the heels of an impressive stint at CFR Cluj in Romania, where he finished last season as joint top-scorer in Liga I and earned a spot in the Team of the Season. However, this Swiss title is his first piece of major silverware.
Despite joining mid-season, Otele quickly became a fan favorite. With his loan spell set to end this summer, Basel is widely expected to make the move permanent given his outstanding performances.
Interestingly, the title wasn’t clinched by Basel on the pitch but rather by the slip-up of their competitors. Servette missed several golden chances to prolong the title race — including a one-on-one miss by Keyan Varela and a shot off the post by Timothé Cognat. Young Boys also saw two goals ruled out for offside and had a spectacular save prevent an own goal, as both sides played out a tense 0-0 draw.
Following confirmation of their title win, Basel’s players celebrated in style at Barfüsserplatz in central Basel, gathering on the balcony of the iconic “Papa Joe’s” restaurant to mark their long-awaited triumph.
“FCB were clearly the best team this season — there’s no argument about that,” admitted Young Boys defender Sandro Lauper in an interview with Blue TV.
For Otele, the championship not only marks a personal breakthrough but may also signal the start of more success in his career.
