Rising Star Igoh Ogbu: Thoughts on Football, Career, and Life

Discover Igoh Ogbu's inspiring story, from his early days to his current success in European football.

Igoh Ogbu, the 24-year-old centre-back for Slavia Prague, embodies a sense of calm and composure that transcends his on-field performances. As he navigates his burgeoning career, Ogbu remains level-headed, avoiding unnecessary panic or impulsive decisions.

Now in his second season with Slavia Prague, Ogbu has played an instrumental role in the team's dominance of the Czech First League. With the winter break underway, Slavia sits comfortably atop the table, boasting a seven-point cushion over their nearest rivals. Ogbu's contributions have been pivotal in securing this advantageous position.

Igoh Ogbu recently sat down with Tribal Football for an exclusive interview, sharing insights into his decision to join Slavia Prague, his aspirations for a maiden senior Nigeria call-up, and his long-term career objectives. The conversation also touched on Slavia's impressive performance in the Czech First League, where they currently hold a seven-point lead at the top of the table.

When asked if he believed this could be the season Slavia wins their first league championship, Ogbu exuded confidence. “Yes, we are seven points clear and for sure, I believe that it's our time,” he stated emphatically. Ogbu's faith in his team's abilities was evident as he continued, “I strongly believe in God, I know that for sure we are going to come out victorious and win the league this season. I'm certain about it.”

As Igoh Ogbu navigates his second season in the Czech First League with Slavia Prague, he reflected on the impact the league has had on his personal growth as a player. When asked if he felt the league had improved his game, Ogbu's response was overwhelmingly positive.

“Yes it has,” he affirmed. “I will say that my second season at Slavia has been lovely. The league has really improved, they have really been doing well and the league is getting better. We have more competitive games among the Czech teams. So, for me, I think the league is really good at this moment.”Ogbu's words highlighted his appreciation for the league's growing competitiveness and its role in his continued development as a player.

Igoh Ogbu credited Slavia Prague's coach, Jindřich Trpišovský, as a pivotal figure in his growth as a player. When asked about the significance of working with Trpišovský, Ogbu praised the coach's tactical acumen and ability to adapt.

“With my coach, he has a very good sense of the game,” Ogbu said. “He knows when to change and when not to. He is a good coach and he has been helping me, the players and others in the team. He has really worked hard for me to be a better player.” Ogbu's testimonial highlighted Trpišovský's positive influence on his development, underscoring the coach's role in enhancing his skills.

Igoh Ogbu recently opened up about his harrowing experience with a head injury, providing insight into the challenges he faced during his recovery. When asked how he dealt with the ordeal, Ogbu's response revealed the severity of the injury and its potential long-term consequences.

“My head injury, I think that was the most difficult moment for me,” Ogbu began. “Everybody who saw this, they don't really see it the way it happened because everybody thought it was just something that just occurred and I'm going to be fine, but I broke my face bone and it was not easy for me because I had never gotten that kind of injury before.”

Ogbu's voice took on a more somber tone as he recounted the doctor's words in the hospital. “I was at the hospital when the doctor told me that if the bone went up a little bit, that would have been the end of it for me, active-football-wise. It was something very scary to stop doing what you love.”

Despite the gravity of the situation, Ogbu's faith and resilience played a pivotal role in his recovery. “So, for me, it has been the grace of God,” he emphasized. “If not for God, I could have lost it (my career), not being able to eat or do what you want to do, is really difficult.”

Igoh Ogbu shared his mental preparation strategy for high-stakes matches like the Prague derby against Sparta. When asked about his approach, Ogbu acknowledged the unique intensity of derby matches.

“You know with the Prague derby, that is a totally different game entirely,” he said. “Sometimes you know in football, you are not always mentally strong, it is not that you are afraid or something, but in those kinds of games, you know that the little chance the opponent gets, they will definitely use it against you and those kind of games you need 100% concentration.”

Despite the pressure and excitement surrounding the derby, Ogbu adopts a surprisingly calm mindset. “So with the derby, I don't have anything in my mind when it comes to them, it is just a game and I just go out to play and whatever happens, happens.” This mental clarity allows Ogbu to focus on the task at hand, rather than getting caught up in the hype and emotions of the derby.

Igoh Ogbu offered his perspective on the competition among central defenders at Slavia Prague. When asked about the dynamics within the team, Ogbu downplayed the notion of competition, instead emphasizing the collective goal of winning.

“There is nothing, there's no one in competition in central defence or anything,” Ogbu stated. “Football is football, you cannot play all the games and every game, I was there to play before I got my injury and when I came back I was in recovery for the team.”

Ogbu's focus on the team's success over individual competition was evident in his response. “I was not thinking about the position,” he said. “I think the most important thing is for us to win, that has been my aim. I don't see any competition there, I just see football players trying to give out their best in their own unique way.” This team-first mentality underscores Ogbu's commitment to Slavia's collective success.

Igoh Ogbu shared the factors that influenced his decision to join Slavia Prague from Lillestrom in Norway. When asked about his thought process, Ogbu highlighted the importance of a club's vision for his career development.

“For me, what convinced me as a player is to feel the club that comes to look for me has great plans for my career development,” Ogbu explained. “It is not just about going to a club because they are big or in a certain league, that is none of it.”

Ogbu emphasized that his choice was rooted in Slavia's willingness to invest in his growth as a player. "It is more about knowing how can they build with you to become a better player," he said. “And in all the teams that came for me, Slavia is the one that was open enough to make me feel comfortable like home and that was why I chose Slavia Prague.”

Igoh Ogbu discussed the factors that led him to choose the Czech league and Slavia Prague, despite reportedly having other offers on the table. When asked about his decision, Ogbu highlighted the Czech league's reputation for developing talented players.

“The Czech league is a good league and you can see that the Czech league has produced a lot of good players abroad,” Ogbu said. “They are producing good goalkeepers, you see many players playing in the Italian league because they always come to watch the Czech league. It is a good league for development.”

Ogbu emphasized the importance of gradual growth and development in a player's career. “As a player, you know you have to grow, you don't just play good seasons and run to a bigger club,” he explained. “You can face difficulties that you can't maintain. So, you have to build yourself in every step of the way so that when you reach the top, it will be better for you.”

Ogbu also noted the differences in development pathways for players from Africa compared to those from Europe. “There are many players here they've had since young, they developed and played in the academy of the club and they moved into the main team, so it's much easier for them,” he observed. “We from Africa are different, we have to think and be clever when we make decisions.”

Igoh Ogbu reflected on his experience playing in Norway, highlighting the country's reputation as a nurturing environment for young African players seeking to launch their professional careers in Europe. When asked about his time in Norway, Ogbu shared his thoughts on why he chose to play there.

“For me, I chose Norway because it's a good place for the development of young players from Africa that have dreams of playing professional football in Europe,” Ogbu explained. “It is a place where you stay focused and it is very quiet. You just play football. It is you and football.”

Ogbu's experience in Norway was overwhelmingly positive, with the country providing him with valuable opportunities for growth and development. “For me, playing in Norway has really helped me,” he said. “I met some good people. It is a good place to start your football development in Europe.”

Igoh Ogbu shared his thoughts on whether transfers to Scandinavian countries can serve as a viable pathway for African players transitioning to European football. When asked about this potential route, Ogbu emphasized the importance of mental fortitude.

“Transfers to Scandinavia are a good option, but with African players, it's all about the mentality because it's not every player is mentally strong,” Ogbu said. “When you travel and you leave home you need to know that you leave home because you want to feed home.”

Ogbu stressed that success in Scandinavia, or any foreign league, hinges on a player's mental toughness and resilience. “So, it's a mental thing,” he continued. “I don't think it's about Scandinavia or something, it's about just going there and enjoying football and it will be really good.”

Ultimately, Ogbu believes that Scandinavia can be a beneficial destination for African players, provided they possess the necessary confidence and determination. “I don't think playing in Scandinavia is a bad place for an African player,” he said. “It is really a good place for a start if you have the confidence and the mind that you want to grow and you believe in it.”

Igoh Ogbu reflected on his experience playing under Eirik Bakke, the former Leeds player, during his time at Sogndal. When asked about working with Bakke as a coach, Ogbu's praise was effusive.

“Actually, Eirik Bakke is one of the best coaches I had since I started playing football,” Ogbu said. “He really helped us when it comes to not just playing football, but life outside football. He counselled us on how to live as players. He has experience, he has gone abroad, he knows how the systems works.”

Bakke's mentorship had a profound impact on Ogbu, particularly as an African player navigating European football. “He was teaching us the African players how it should be,” Ogbu continued. His appreciation for Bakke's guidance was evident as he concluded, “For me, Bakke has been one of the best coaches I've had, so playing for him is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I'm proud of that.”

Igoh Ogbu expressed his aspirations to represent Nigeria's national team, the Super Eagles, a dream he shares with many young Nigerian footballers. When asked about his prospects of joining the team, Ogbu's enthusiasm was evident.

“For me, the Super Eagles are a team that every Nigerian kid dreams of,” Ogbu said. “Every footballer wants to play for his country, to wear the jersey and be proud of it.”

Ogbu revealed that he has had contact with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) in the past, although his personal circumstances at the time prevented him from pursuing the opportunity further. “I had contacts with the NFF,” he said. “The last time I had contact with them my dad had just passed away, but for me, I just wait for the right time and when the right time is due I know for sure that I will be in the team.”

Despite his eagerness to join the Super Eagles, Ogbu adopted a patient approach, trusting that his hard work and dedication will ultimately earn him a spot on the team. “So, I'm not in haste, I just believe in what I can do and I just have to wait,” he said. “Other Nigerians are playing and other players are there as well. It will always come to be your time if you keep working hard and improve your game, it will come to be your time and definitely, it will happen in God's timing.”

Igoh Ogbu reminisced about his experience representing Nigeria in the FIFA U20 World Cup. When asked about the significance of this milestone in his career, Ogbu adopted a measured perspective.

“Playing for Nigeria at the FIFA U20 World Cup was good, but one thing for sure is: I don't take too much (from it), it's a youth football tournament and I'm already playing abroad,” Ogbu said. “So, for me, it was fun to represent my country in the U20 FIFA World Cup.”

Despite not placing undue emphasis on the experience, Ogbu acknowledged the tournament's value in shaping his career. “I was happy to be there, it helped me actually because it exposed me to understand more about football, to understand more about what I need to work on as a player, it helped my career in a certain kind of way,” he reflected.

Igoh Ogbu discussed his relationship with fellow Nigerian Victor Olatunji, who plays for rival club Sparta Prague. When asked about their friendship, Ogbu described himself as a reserved person who doesn't often socialize.

“When it comes to that I don't have issues with people, but I'm not a people person,” Ogbu said. “I don't always go out or do a lot of things, but of course, we are cool. He is a good player and I don't have any issues with him.”

While Ogbu acknowledged a cordial relationship with Olatunji, he clarified that their interactions are largely limited to greetings and mutual respect as Nigerian compatriots. “When it comes to football yes, but outside football, we don't go out like that,” Ogbu explained. “So, I'm not going to say that okay we're friends; yes he is a Nigerian, we see and we greet each other and all that, that's all.”

Igoh Ogbu reflected on his early days as a footballer in Nigeria, revealing that he didn't always envision himself as a defender. When asked about his origins as a player, Ogbu shared an interesting anecdote.

“Actually, I didn't start as a defender,” Ogbu said. “I started playing as a winger. I think a player had an injury and the coach needed someone to play in that position. So I had to move to right-back and play, after that he saw that I did really, really well.”

Ogbu's transition to central defense was a gradual one, driven by circumstance and the guidance of his coach. “One day, the coach asked me to play in the central defence position, I did and I continued playing from there,” he recalled. “I never wanted it initially, but when it worked out well and all that, I just continued and that was how I became a central defender.”

Igoh Ogbu reminisced about his childhood heroes, revealing the players who inspired him as a young footballer. When asked about his role models, Ogbu's admiration for two defensive greats was evident.

"Actually one of the players I really looked up to while I was younger was Carles Puyol, he was a very great defender," Ogbu said. "I love the way he defended and John Terry, another top defender and I love him because I saw his dedication, the mindset he had and I think that really inspired me as a young footballer."

Igoh Ogbu reflected on the invaluable experience of competing against top-tier teams like Roma and AC Milan in European competitions. When asked about the impact of these matches on his growth as a player, Ogbu's response highlighted the significant lessons he learned.

“Playing in the European games really helped me to develop my game, it made me see that football is something that when you love it and you put your energy into it, you can achieve anything,” Ogbu said.

Ogbu attributed his improved self-awareness and confidence to the experience of playing alongside talented opponents. “So playing with those great players and seeing how they played, helped me so much to realise that I needed to feel it, the game made me realise how good and talented I can be,” he explained.

For Ogbu, competing against illustrious teams was a liberating experience that allowed him to showcase his skills without pressure. “For me, I think it helped me to know that the future is bright, that I am just starting to make things happen,” he said. “So playing with them was very fun for me, it was not with pressure. It was just fun for me to just play and enjoy when you play with these teams.”

Igoh Ogbu recounted his experiences facing top-tier strikers, including Olivier Giroud, Romelu Lukaku, and Omar Marmoush. When asked about these encounters, Ogbu framed them as invaluable learning opportunities.

“Playing against Giroud, Lukaku and Marmoush can be described as a good experience for me, a great thing,” Ogbu said. “Lukaku is a very strong striker, Olivier Giroud, Marmoush as well, who everybody knows, the experience is there. I wasn't stressed at all.”

Ogbu's confidence grew significantly after testing himself against these elite forwards, particularly Lukaku. “After playing against Lukaku, I think I don't have any fear against any striker,” he asserted.

Igoh Ogbu shared his thoughts on the possibility of playing in the Premier League, a league widely regarded as one of the most competitive in the world. When asked about his ambitions, Ogbu adopted a pragmatic approach.

“The Premier League is a good league, but I'm not a player who chooses to say 'this is the league I want to play, I want to play in the Premier League or I want to play in that league',” Ogbu said. “I'm just a player that loves football, I love to play football.”

Rather than fixating on a specific league, Ogbu emphasized his commitment to making informed decisions that align with his personal and professional goals. “Let the Premier League be the Premier League and when the time is right and all that, and they come, I know for sure that I will make the right decision for myself and for my family,” he explained.

Igoh Ogbu discussed his decision to remain at Slavia Prague despite having opportunities to leave the club. When asked about his thought process, Ogbu revealed that he relies heavily on his intuition.

“I had many opportunities to leave Slavia but I don't think they were opportunities because I felt it was not the right time and deep down inside me, I can feel it you know, like some players work with their instinct, some players not all,” Ogbu explained.

Ogbu's approach to his career is guided by patience and a trust in his instincts. “Personally, I work with my instincts and I see what is good for me and what is not good for me,” he said. “I'm not in a rush to go anywhere, I would like to just play and enjoy football and when the right offer comes for me, I will feel it strongly and I will go, that is what I believe.”