Newly invited Super Eagles defender Igoh Ogbu believes the time is right for him to don the national colours and help Nigeria secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Slavia Prague centre-back was previously linked with a spot in the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against São Tomé and Príncipe to no effect, but is now eager to seize the opportunity
Ogbu, who represented Nigeria at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland, expressed his excitement about the chance to make his senior debut.
Speaking exclusively to Afrik-Foot, he said, “I was excited to be named in the provisional list. The moment I saw my name on the list, I felt it in my spirit that I would make the final cut.
“There is nothing I believe in more than the right time. The feeling I had was genuine, and I was preparing myself for it.”
Igoh Ogbu tells Super Eagles fans what to expect
On the theme of preparing for the opportunity, the 25-year-old defender went into some detail about his approach.
“Actually, I will not say there is much I have done. I just keep working hard to become a better player,” Ogbu said.
“That is all I do every day. That is what I have been doing for the past years—to make a name for myself and my family. I just put in more work every day to be better and wait for the right time, and the right time is now.”
Ogbu’s impressive performances for Slavia Prague in the Czech First League and European competitions have earned him recognition, and he is now set to translate that form to the national team.
“Nigerians should expect a fighter. I am a fighter. My hope and faith are to come down and fight for Nigeria. We are coming to fight for our families, for the people we love.
“We are coming to represent Nigeria and fight for World Cup qualification because we love the country, and I will put my heart into it.”
With the Super Eagles set to face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25, Ogbu will be hoping to play a key role as Nigeria begins its journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
