Igoh Ogbu: Slavia Prague ironman joins Fulham’s Calvin Bassey as Nigeria’s top-rated centre-backs

Slavia Prague’s Igoh Ogbu has emerged as one of Nigeria’s highest-rated centre-backs, following the latest valuation update by Transfermarkt, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 24-year-old defender is now valued at €8 million – the highest point of his career so far.

Ogbu, who joined Slavia Prague from Lillestrøm for €2.5 million in January 2023, is currently the fifth most valuable player at his club and seventh overall in the Czech First League.

His €8 million valuation also places him as the joint 21st most valuable Nigerian player worldwide, alongside Fenerbahce full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Among Nigerian defenders, only Fulham star Calvin Bassey (€16 million) and Nottingham Forest right-back Ola Aina (€14 million) surpass Ogbu in market value.

He is second only to Bassey on Nigeria’s centre-back list – a significant leap for the young centre-back, who continues to make waves in European football.

Igoh Ogbu’s Career Journey

Ogbu’s football journey began at Nigeria’s Gombe United before his move to Norwegian giants Rosenborg in February 2018.

A four-year contract saw him transition through loan spells at Levanger and Sogndal before joining Sogndal permanently in June 2020.

In January 2021, Ogbu took a significant step forward by signing a five-year deal with Lillestrøm, where he made his Eliteserien debut against Strømsgodset on May 16, 2021.

His impressive performances caught the eye of Slavia Prague, leading to his three-year contract with the Czech club in January 2023.

Igoh Ogbu: International Outlook

Ogbu first represented Nigeria on the international stage with the U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, at the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Despite excelling at these tournaments and for Slavia Prague, he has yet to earn a senior Super Eagles call-up, though his current form suggests it is only a matter of time.

A versatile defender with a knack for scoring, Ogbu has contributed nine goals and seven assists in over 200 career appearances. His remarkable rise points to his potential to be a mainstay in both club and country football for many years to come.