Super Eagles newcomer Igho Ogbu has revealed that he turned down an opportunity to represent Norway during his final season with Lillestrøm, staying true to his dream of playing for Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
Ogbu, who was part of Nigeria's squad at the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and the FIFA U-20 World Cup, moved to Norway in 2018 and established himself as one of the top defenders in the country.
The centre-back initially signed a four-year deal with Rosenborg before going on loan to Levanger and Sogndal, eventually joining Lillestrøm. His impressive performances in the 2022 season earned him a record transfer to Slavia Prague in January 2023 for €2.5 million.
Reflecting on his decision to reject Norway, Ogbu shared that it was a deeply personal choice, guided by his late father’s wishes.
“There was a chance to play for Norway in my last season with Lillestrøm,” he told SCORENigeria. “But I always knew that I would also get my chance with the Super Eagles.”
His faith in that decision has been rewarded, as the 25-year-old defender is now set to represent Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
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Slavia Prague coach praises Nigeria star Ogbu’s left-footed goal
Ogbu will report for international duty in Kigali full of confidence after making history in Slavia Prague’s 3-0 victory over FK Jablonec in the Czech Fortuna Liga.
The former Nigeria U20 international scored his second goal of the season to reach a significant milestone in his career, as it was his first-ever goal with his left foot.
In the ninth minute of the match, Ogbu intercepted a misplaced pass from the Jablonec goalkeeper and coolly slotted the ball home.
Slavia Prague head coach Jindřich Trpišovský was full of praise for the Nigerian defender, highlighting his rare ability to contribute offensively despite being a defensive stalwart.
“Igoh usually defends the opponent's best player and can be dominant in duels,” Trpišovský told Slavia Prague's official website. “He has calmed down recently, feels good, and I think it was his first goal with his left foot in his career.”
Ogbu has built a reputation as a tough, aerially dominant centre-back, with nine of his ten career goals coming from headers. Before Sunday’s game, his only non-headed goal was a right-footed finish for Lillestrøm against FK Jerv in April 2022.
Now, with two goals in his last three league games, Ogbu is proving he can contribute at both ends of the pitch. His coach believes the Nigerian is an underrated talent whose market value is not fully appreciated.
“He timed the whole situation perfectly and solved it perfectly,” Trpišovský added. “He is extremely important for us, and his performances definitely exceed his current price tag. If he played in a foreign league, his value would be much higher. He has become a complete player.”
As Ogbu prepares for his first senior international appearance, his form and growing reputation suggest he could be a key asset for Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign.
