Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle<\/a> has reportedly handed Slavia Prague defender Igoh Ogbu<\/a> his maiden Super Eagles<\/a> call-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March, Soccernet.ng<\/a> understands<\/strong>.<\/p>\n According to ScoreNigeria<\/a>, Ogbu has been selected as a direct replacement for injured West Bromwich Albion centre-back Semi Ajayi<\/a>, who is sidelined after picking up an injury during training last month.<\/p>\n Ogbu\u2019s invitation is a reward for his impressive performances in Europe, where he has been one of Nigeria\u2019s most consistent defenders in recent years.<\/p>\n The 25-year-old has been a rock at the heart of Slavia Prague\u2019s defence, helping the Czech giants lead the Czech First League by 13 points in their pursuit of an eighth league title.<\/p>\n The former Gombe United star has featured in 18 league matches this season, scoring once and playing a key role in Slavia\u2019s defensive solidity.<\/p>\n His experience at the highest level, including appearances in the Champions League qualifiers and Europa League<\/a> group stage, makes him a ready replacement for Ajayi.<\/p>\n undisclosed Premier League team is monitoring Igoh Ogbu from Slavia Praha.<\/p>\n The 24-year-old former Gombe FC defender is the only player close to Virgil Van Dijk in term of Height and technicality.<\/p>\n Excl Will Ogbu fortifies Super Eagles defence? pic.twitter.com\/Hktx7Uqtmv<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u2014 9JAPLAYERS (@9jaPlayersNews) December 2, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n READ MORE\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Ogbu\u2019s rise to prominence began with the Nigeria U-20 team, where he played at the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and the FIFA U-20 World Cup, making seven appearances in both tournaments.<\/p>\n His club career took him to Norway with Rosenborg, Levanger, Sogndal, and Lillestr\u00f8m before sealing a move to Slavia Prague in January 2023. Since then, he has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Czech top flight.<\/p>\n A no-nonsense, tough-tackling centre-back, Ogbu has shown he can hold his own against Europe\u2019s best forwards.<\/p>\n The Nigerian faced Romelu Lukaku, Olivier Giroud, and Omar Marmoush in last season\u2019s Europa League \u2013 experiences that only boosted his confidence.<\/p>\n \u201cPlaying against Giroud, Lukaku, and Marmoush can be described as a good experience for me, a great thing,\u201d Ogbu told Tribal Football as per Brila<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cLukaku is a very strong striker, Olivier Giroud, and Marmoush as well, who everybody knows; the experience is there. I wasn\u2019t stressed at all.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Ogbu particularly impressed in Slavia Prague\u2019s 3-1 defeat to AC Milan, where he stood firm against Giroud\u2019s physical presence. He also held his own in two hard-fought games against Roma, limiting Lukaku\u2019s influence in Slavia\u2019s three-man defence.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter playing against Lukaku, I think I don\u2019t have any fear against any striker,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Patiently waiting for Nigeria chance \u201cI\u2019m not in a haste. I just believe in what I can do, and I have to wait. Other Nigerians are playing, and other players are there as well,\u201d Ogbu said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt will always come to be your time if you keep working hard and improving your game. It will happen in God\u2019s timing.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n With Ogbu now set to join the Super Eagles squad, his fearless attitude and growing reputation could make him a vital figure in Chelle\u2019s plans as Nigeria look to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.<\/p>\n The Slavia Prague star will battle with the likes of Calvin Bassey<\/a> and captain William Troost-Ekong<\/a> for a place in the heart of Nigeria\u2019s defence \u2013 and if his performances in Europe are anything to go by, Ogbu will not be fazed by the challenge.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/03\/imago1055149365-scaled.jpg\")
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Eric Chelle\u2019s new man: Igoh Ogbu<\/h4>\n
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Despite his consistent displays, Ogbu\u2019s first senior national team call-up has been long overdue. The defender has remained patient, trusting that his time would eventually come.<\/p>\n\n