Nigeria defender Igoh Ogbu in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to leave Slavia Prague last season, insisting he remains committed to achieving greater success with the Czech champions.
Having signed a contract extension that runs until 2027, the defender has said he has no plans to leave and is fully focused on the season ahead.
“I signed a contract extension with the club, and I intend to honour it because Slavia Prague are a big club in their own right and are always ambitious. When I signed the extension despite the interest from other clubs, it showed my intention to stay. For the coming season, the plan is the same as always – to give my best,” he told Footy-Africa.
“It is unfortunate that I got injured, but injuries are part and parcel of football. You always hope they do not happen, but when they do, the only thing you can do is work hard to get back on the pitch. That is exactly what I am focused on at the moment. I am thinking about the new season, getting fit, and helping my team achieve its goals.”
Super Eagles defender Igoh Ogbu undergoes surgery, targets return for new season
“I want to play in the Champions League again. It is a beautiful competition, and I also want to win the Czech league title again with this great team. Right now, I am not thinking about any transfer. My only focus is getting back on the pitch and showing how good a player I am,” he added.
Ogbu also said he has been following the FIFA World Cup currently taking place in the United States, Mexico and Canada and will be supporting the remaining African representatives.
“It is unfortunate that we did not qualify because every player dreams of playing at the World Cup, but I am supporting the African teams. Cape Verde have done well, and so have Ghana and Morocco, who have qualified for the next round. I wish them all the best, and I will be cheering them on,” he said.
🤕 Igoh Ogbu podstoupil operaci
Během reprezentační přestávky si Igoh Ogbu přetrhl Achillovu šlachu. V minulých dnech podstoupil v Ústřední vojenské nemocnici ve Střešovicích operaci, která dopadla dobře.
Slávistický obránce bude mimo trénink přibližně tři měsíce.
Get well… pic.twitter.com/5aV68oDxLY
— SK Slavia Praha (@slaviaofficial) June 12, 2026
The centre-back, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation following surgery, says his immediate focus is on returning to full fitness and helping Slavia defend their Czech league title while making a strong impression in the UEFA Champions League.
Ogbu sustained the injury while on international duty with Nigeria during the June international window, ruling him out of the Super Eagles’ friendly against Portugal.
Igoh Ogbu targets title glory after injury return for Slavia Prague
The former Lillestrøm defender had been linked with a move away from Slavia Prague following another impressive campaign, with French clubs Lyon and Olympique Marseille reportedly interested in signing him.
However, Ogbu has dismissed the speculation, reaffirming his commitment to the club.
