Igoh Ogbu: Masked Like Osimhen, Slavia Prague Defender Shares Dream of Playing for Nigeria

Slavia Prague defender Igoh Ogbu has expressed his heartfelt desire to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, describing it as a dream shared by many Nigerian footballers.

Despite his rising reputation as one of Nigeria’s top-rated defenders alongside Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, Ogbu is yet to receive a call-up from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) or interim Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen.

The 24-year-old remains patient, emphasizing that the right moment will come with hard work and dedication. Speaking with Tribalfootball, Ogbu reflected on the pride associated with wearing the Super Eagles jersey and shared his belief in God’s timing.

He recalled previous contact with the NFF, which coincided with the passing of his father, and highlighted his commitment to waiting for the right opportunity while continuing to improve his game.

“For me, the Super Eagles is a team that every Nigerian kid dreams of. Every footballer wants to play for his country, to wear the jersey and be proud of it,” Ogbu told Tribalfootball.

“I had contacts with the NFF. The last time I had contact with them, my dad had just passed away. But for me, I just wait for the right time, and when the right time is due, I know for sure that I will be in the team.

“I’m not in a haste. I just believe in what I can do, and I have to wait. Other Nigerians are playing, and other players are there as well. It will always come to be your time if you keep working hard and improving your game. It will happen in God’s timing.”

Ogbu’s resilience extends beyond his football aspirations. He recently suffered a fractured zygomatic arch during Slavia Prague’s 3-0 victory over Viktoria Plzen, a collision that left him requiring a protective mask to shield his injury.

Reflecting on the experience, Ogbu described the unsettling moment when he realized his face wasn’t normal after the incident.

Despite the setback, he has continued to excel on the pitch, drawing comparisons to Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen, who famously wore a mask following a similar injury.

“They took me on a stretcher, and the next thing, I tried to touch my face, but it was not normal, the way it should be,” Ogbu told Afrik-Foot. “The doctor then told me I had a fracture on my face.”

While Ogbu’s journey to the Super Eagles remains a work in progress, his determination and steady rise in European football have made him a player to watch.

Adeyemi Adewale

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