Newly called up Super Eagles defender Igho Ogbu has revealed that he turned down an opportunity to play for Norway while at Lillestrom, choosing instead to wait for his chance with Nigeria’s national team.
Ogbu, 25, had an outstanding 2022 season with the Norwegian club, which led to his record transfer to Slavia Praha in January 2023 for €2.5 million. During his final season at Lillestrom, he was approached to switch national allegiances but remained committed to representing Nigeria.
“There was a chance to play for Norway in my last season with Lillestrom, but I always knew that I would also get my chance with the Super Eagles,”.
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His decision was also influenced by a personal promise he previously shared that it was his father’s dying wish for him to represent Nigeria at the senior level. Having been capped at U17 Golden Eaglets and U20 Flying Eagles levels, his Super Eagles call up marks the fulfilment of that promise.
Editorial
Igho Ogbu’s decision to reject Norway in favour of Nigeria is both admirable and thought-provoking. In an era where many African-born players opt to represent European nations due to better infrastructure, exposure, and financial incentives, Ogbu’s unwavering commitment to his heritage and his late father’s wish stands out.
For Nigeria, his inclusion in the Super Eagles squad is timely. Defensive inconsistency has been a long-standing issue, and having a young, inform centre back with European experience could add much-needed stability. His development at Slavia Praha, a club known for producing top talents, makes him a valuable addition to the squad.
This situation also raises an important question: Is the Nigerian football system doing enough to retain its best talents? Many promising players of Nigerian descent have switched allegiances to other nations due to poor scouting, delayed call-ups, or administrative inefficiencies. While Ogbu’s loyalty to Nigeria is commendable, the NFF must ensure that more dual eligible players are given a clear path to represent the country.
With his first call-up now secured, the next challenge for Ogbu is proving that he deserves a permanent place in the squad. If he impresses in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, he could establish himself as a key player in Nigeria’s defence for years to come.
Did You Know?
- Ogbu began his European career with Rosenborg BK in Norway before moving to Lillestrom and later Slavia Praha.
- Norway has successfully recruited several African born players, including Joshua King and Valon Berisha, who previously played for Gambia and Kosovo at the youth level.
- Nigeria has lost several talented players to European nations, including Tammy Abraham England, Bukayo Saka England, and Manuel Akanji Switzerland.
- The last Nigerian-born player to reject a foreign national team and later play for the Super Eagles was Maduka Okoye, who turned down Germany’s youth setup.
- Slavia Praha, Ogbu’s club, has a history of developing African defensive talents, including Simon Deli Ivory Coast and Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui Cameroon.
