Otele is a popular family name from Tein community under the Biseni Clan in Yenagoa local government area of Bayelsa State.
And from the Tein community with series of environmental challenges due to flooding and other challenges springs a footballer making waves in far away Lithuania.
Philip Otele, who strives to be a great footballer such as his kinsman from Bayelsa, Former Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia and other Nigerian Football greats that have played on international stages.
Otele, who was former Teesside University student has made his debut playing football in the Europa League. He studied BA (Hons) Sports Management and Marketing and graduated from Teesside in 2019.
While studying in Middlesbrough, Philip, who is originally from Nigeria, played for the University’s football team.
After leaving university the 20-year-old striker joined FK Kauno Zalgiris from Wolvinston FC. It was while playing for FK Kauno Zalgiris that Phillip came on as a substitute in their first ever European qualifier against Cyprian side Apollon Limassol.
After impressing in the B team Philip was brought into the first team set up and shared history with the club by being involved in their first ever Europa League Qualifier.
Philip’s former university teammates had nothing but praise for him.
Jordan Holroyd, a former teammate of the striker, said: “He once scored a back heel from the edge of the box in a cup quarter-final.”“He’s the best player I’ve seen in six years at the University.”
FK Kauno Zalgiris are a Lithuanian football team who play in the LYGA which is the top tier of Lithuanian Football,.It was a historic moment for the club this season when they played their first ever European Qualifiers.
As well as playing for the University team, Philip also played in the Wearside league for Wolvinston where he scored an impressive 21 goals in 20 appearances for the Stockton -based club.
Following this prolific season he joined the Lithuanian giants and continues to impress as his career begins to take shape.
Dream
The Nigerian Born football star, Philip Otele has expressed his desire to win a call up for the Super Eagles camp with a three goals record in two last matches for the A Lyga team FK Kauno Zalgris in the top tier of Lithuania.
Futbolo klubas Kauno Žalgiris is a professional football club based in Kaunas, Lithuania, that competes in the A lyga, the top tier of Lithuania.
Philip Otele, who wears the Number 7 jersey for FK Kauno Žalgiris in Lithuania , was voted into the team of the week in A lyga due to his awesome performance when his team FK kauno Zalgris beat Vilnaius 3-2 after coming from 2goals down to win the match.
Otele also his weekend was able to put his club ahead of their opponent FK Suduva 1 with a brilliant opening goal.
In a chat via online, Philip Otele spoke about his dream to work hard and get called up to the Nigerian National Team,the Super Eagles to contribute his quota to football glory for the country.
A member of the management of team FK Kauno Zalgris also noted that the best for the Nigerian Striker is yet to come,”Otele is a brilliant and hard-working football player from Nigeria. Fans value him for his skills and capabilities on and off the pitch.”
