Europa League TotW: Super Eagles hopeful honoured alongside former Liverpool GK, AS Roma and West Ham stars

The former Nigeria youth international has earned his spot among the most outstanding performers in Europe’s second-tier club competition

Following his excellent showing in Slavia Prague’s huge win over FC Sheriff, Igoh Ogbu has been named in the coveted Europa League Team of the Week, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Ogbu delivered a remarkable performance at both ends of the pitch to power Slavia Prague to a resounding 6-0 victory over FC Sheriff in their matchday two Group G clash.

The 23-year-old was solid as a rock in defence as the former Czech Republic champions kept their second consecutive clean sheet in the competition.

However, Ogbu’s standout moment came in the 7th minute of the match, when he produced a fine header to double Slavia Prague’s advantage.

The goal is Ogbu’s second in the group stage, having also found the net in the team’s victory against Servette on matchday one.

Renowned sports analysis platform Whoscored took notice of Ogbu’s exceptional performance and rightfully included him in their prestigious Best 11.

The Super Eagles hopeful was featured at centre-back alongside Slavia Prague teammate Tomáš Holeš, with the defensive pairing expected to shield former Spain and Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta and AS Roma’s trio of Andrea Belotti, Zeki Çelik, and Leandro Paredes also made the best eleven list.

Nigerians in the Europa League

While numerous Nigerian players graced the Europa League stage on Thursday, only Ogbuo stood out and earned a place in the best eleven roster.

Chuba Akpom made a notable appearance, coming off the bench in Ajax’s 1-1 draw against AEK Athens.

Also, Cyriel Dessers could not rescue Glasgow Rangers from a disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Aris Limassol.

Ademola Lookman was pivotal in Atalanta’s 2-1 victory over Sporting CP away from home. Nathan Tella secured his first competitive goal, elevating Bayer Leverkusen to a fine 2-1 win against Molde.

Ogbu’s career so far

Ogbu’s journey to this moment began when he was part of the Flying Eagles squad that participated in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.

His professional career kicked off with Gombe United in Nigeria before he moved to Norwegian club Rosenborg in February 2018, signing a four-year contract.

Ogbu also gained experience through loan spells with Levanger and Sogndal, eventually sealing a permanent deal with the latter in June 2020.

On 29 January 2021, he embarked on a new chapter by joining Lillestrøm, where he signed a five-year contract.