No striker scares me – Nigerian defender dismisses fear after facing Lukaku, Giroud, and Marmoush

Slavia Prague defender Igoh Ogbu has boldly declared his fearlessness in facing any striker after squaring off against some of Europe’s most formidable forwards, Soccernet.ng reports.

Speaking to Tribal Football, the Super Eagles-eligible defender revealed that playing against Romelu Lukaku, Olivier Giroud, and Omar Marmoush was not stressful.

During the 2023-24 Europa League campaign, Ogbu played a pivotal role at the heart of Slavia Prague’s defence. He stood firm in their 3-1 home loss to AC Milan, where Olivier Giroud was a constant threat.

Similarly, Ogbu was part of Slavia’s three-man centre-back setup during their home and away clashes against AS Roma, facing the imposing Romelu Lukaku. He also took on Omar Marmoush in a challenging encounter against Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 24-year-old Nigerian centre-back recently shared his thoughts on the challenges these star players posed and how those experiences have shaped his confidence on the pitch.

“Playing against Giroud, Lukaku, and Marmoush can be described as a good experience for me, a great thing. Lukaku is a very strong striker, Olivier Giroud, Marmoush as well, who everybody knows; the experience is there. I wasn’t stressed at all,” Ogbu revealed.

Ogbu, who currently dons a protective mask after suffering a fractured zygomatic arch earlier this season, revealed the mental and physical growth he gained from those encounters.

“After playing against Lukaku, I think I don’t have any fear against any striker,” he added.

The Slavia Prague defender, valued among Nigeria’s top-rated centre-backs alongside Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, has remained patient for a call-up to the national team. Ogbu, however, believes his time will come.

“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.” he said.

For now, Ogbu continues to thrive at his club, aiming to keep honing his skills and bolster his reputation for a Nigerian call-up someday.