New Super Eagles invitee, Igho Ogbu, has disclosed that he declined the chance to represent Norway, choosing instead to wait for the opportunity to fulfill his dream of playing for Nigeria.
Ogbu, a member of the Flying Eagles squad in 2019, moved to Norway in 2018 and was offered the chance to represent the European nation during his final season with Lillestrøm.
After departing Gombe United in 2018, he played for five clubs—four in Norway—before making a record €2.5 million transfer to Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic in January 2023.
Looking back on his decision to turn down Norway, Ogbu revealed that it was a deeply personal choice, influenced 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 patience paid off this year when he earned a spot in coach Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The 25-year-old defender arrived at Nigeria’s camp in Kigali on Monday night ahead of the upcoming matches.
Ogbu joins the squad for his first international duty with Nigeria after an impressive performance in Slavia Prague’s 3-0 win over FK Jablonec in the Czech Fortuna Liga on Sunday, where he scored the opening goal.
The goal was his second of the season in 20 league appearances.
Meanwhile, Slavia Prague head coach Jindřich Trpišovský praised the Nigerian defender, emphasizing his rare ability to contribute while remaining a defensive powerhouse.
“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.”
