Benched but not broken – Slavia Prague title-winner vows to seize Super Eagles moment

Slavia Prague centre-back Igoh Ogbu says he remains hopeful of making his senior debut for Nigeria, insisting his time will come with the Super Eagles, Footynaija.com reports.

Currently part of the squad preparing in London for the Unity Cup under head coach Eric Chelle, Ogbu is considered one of Nigeria’s brightest defensive prospects in Europe.

The 25-year-old has impressed with his consistent performances for Slavia Prague, helping the Czech giants to the league title this season.

Poster BOY!!

Slavia Prague and former Nigeria U20 defender – IGOH OGBU.

One.Of.Our.Own. pic.twitter.com/49dlXfAX7d

— Ojora Babatunde (@ojbsports) July 17, 2024

Despite being named in Nigeria’s squad for recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Ogbu remained on the bench in both matches and is still waiting for his first cap at senior level.

“When it comes to playing, every player wants to play,” he told Afrik-Foot. “I have no doubt in my ability, and I’ll keep doing what I do. If the coach picks me, I’ll be happy to play.”

He added: “When the time comes, everyone will get his chance. It’s football—everyone just has to keep working hard and wait for his moment.”

Ogbu previously represented Nigeria at the U20 level, featuring at the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and the FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland, where he made seven appearances.

Born in Jos, he began his professional career with Gombe United before a move to Norwegian giants Rosenborg.

After loan spells at Levanger and Sogndal, he signed permanently for the latter in 2020, before joining Lillestrøm and eventually sealing a move to Slavia Prague in January 2023.

Nigeria face Ghana in the Unity Cup opener at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium. The winner will face Jamaica, who defeated Trinidad and Tobago 3-1 in the first semifinal on Tuesday.