AFCONQ: Slavia Prague confirm first Super Eagles call-up for former Flying Eagles star Ogbu

The former Nigeria youth international has seen a rise in profile since the start of the year, and this has been finally rewarded

Slavia Prague have revealed that Igoh Ogbu has received his first senior call-up to join the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier scheduled for September, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria are set to face Sao Tome and Principe in their final AFCON qualifier, which will be held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The Super Eagles have already secured their place in the continental championship, slated for early next year, following impressive victories over Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau in their previous two matches.

Consequently, Ogbu enters this international stage with no added pressure, making it an ideal opportunity for him to make his debut for the national team.

In preparation for this significant moment, the 23-year-old former Flying Eagles defender boasts an impressive record of at least 145 competitive career appearances across various clubs, including Lillestrøm SK, Sogndal IL, Levanger FK, Rosenborg BK, and Gombe United FC.

Slavia Prague’s head coach, Jindřich Trpišovský, confirmed Ogbu’s international call-up during a press conference held on Friday, stating,

“The national team will come, for which more than 80% of the staff will go. For example, we already know that Ogbu will go.”

Ogbu’s Career Journey

Igoh Ogbu began his football journey with Nigeria’s Gombe United before moving to Norwegian club Rosenborg in February 2018, where he penned a four-year contract.

His career then led him through loan spells with Levanger and Sogndal before joining the latter club permanently in June 2020.

Subsequently, on January 29, 2021, Ogbu made a significant transfer to Lillestrøm, inking a five-year deal.

His debut in the Eliteserien came on May 16, 2021, in a match against Strømsgodset. The latest chapter in his career unfolded on January 6, 2023, when he joined Slavia Prague under a three-year contract.

International Journey

Ogbu’s journey in international football started with the Nigeria under-20 team, where he showcased his talent at the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, accumulating a total of seven appearances during these prestigious competitions.