Nigerian forward Philip Otele has claimed the first major trophy of his professional career after helping FC Basel win the Swiss Super League for the first time since 2017, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 25-year-old, who joined Basel on loan from United Arab Emirates side Al Wahda in January, played a pivotal role in the team’s title-winning campaign, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in just 15 league appearances.
Basel’s 5-2 win away to Lugano on Saturday put them on the brink of glory, and their coronation was confirmed on Sunday when closest challengers Servette were held to a goalless draw by Young Boys in Geneva.
The result ensured Basel maintained an unassailable 11-point lead with just three matches remaining.
Champion! Nigeria's Philip Otele celebrates career milestone as Basel clinch 21st Swiss title
The championship triumph is the 21st league title in Basel’s history and their first in eight years, ending Young Boys’ recent dominance in Switzerland’s top flight.
❤️ / #FCBasel1893 #AlliZämme #BrennefürdrFCB #rotblaulive pic.twitter.com/Rq1PQnpiVE
— FC Basel 1893 (@FCBasel1893) May 11, 2025
Basel’s success this season has been built on attacking flair and clinical finishing. They have netted 82 goals so far — the highest in the league and 29 more than Servette. Luzern trail even further behind, with 61 goals. The arrival of Otele during the winter transfer window provided a timely boost, adding pace, power and end product to an already potent attack.
For Otele, the title is a significant milestone in a career that has taken him from Nigeria to Lithuania, Romania, United Arab Emirates and now Switzerland. He was joint-top scorer in Romania’s Liga I last season with CFR Cluj and was named in the league’s Team of the Season, but a major team trophy had eluded him until now.
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Although his loan deal is set to expire this summer, Basel are expected to trigger their option to make the move permanent, given his impressive impact.
The title was mathematically sealed not by Basel themselves but by the faltering of their rivals. Servette had multiple chances to delay the inevitable against Young Boys but were left ruing missed opportunities. Keyan Varela spurned a one-on-one chance, Timothé Cognat struck the post, and Miroslav Stevanovic saw a late shot saved by Marvin Keller.
Young Boys had two goals disallowed for offside in the first half and a spectacular Joël Mall save prevented an own goal. The 0-0 stalemate left Servette two points ahead of YB in second but ensured the trophy headed to Basel.
ιня ѕιη кяαηк #FCBasel1893 #AlliZämme #BrennefürdrFCB #rotblaulive pic.twitter.com/0dExtVRjql
— FC Basel 1893 (@FCBasel1893) May 11, 2025
Basel’s players celebrated their long-awaited triumph on the balcony of “Papa Joe’s” above Barfüsserplatz in the heart of the city after the draw in Geneva.
“Congratulations to FCB. They were the best team this season, there’s no need to discuss that,” admitted Young Boys defender Sandro Lauper, speaking to Blue TV.
For Otele, it’s a dream realised — and possibly just the beginning of more silverware to come.
