Super Eagles defender Igoh Ogbu in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has described representing Nigeria at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as one of the biggest highlights of his career, admitting it was a dream come true to feature for the national team at a major tournament.
The Slavia Prague centre-back, who previously represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland in 2019, said pulling on the green-and-white shirt at senior level gave him a deep sense of pride and fulfillment.
Ogbu was part of the Nigeria squad that finished third at AFCON, playing the full 90 minutes as the Super Eagles defeated Egypt on penalties in the bronze-medal match to return to the podium.
“Proud to be a Nigerian”
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, the 26-year-old said the experience has only strengthened his desire to create more memorable moments with the national team in the years ahead.
“For me, I think being part of this team is one of the greatest things to have happened to me. I am just proud to be called up by Nigeria and winning a medal in my first appearance. It is a thing of joy, a thing many people wish for,” Ogbu said.
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“Unfortunately we did not win the title, but for every competition we play the target is to win it. Like the Bible says, we should give God thanks, and that is what we are here to do. I am just proud to be a Nigerian. I am hoping and believing that there will be greater and more exciting things to achieve with the national team. I am excited. It is left for me to keep working hard at my game, giving my best and hoping to get more invitations in the future.”
“Ndidi is the leader I admire”
The former Lillestrøm defender also opened up on life within the Super Eagles camp, describing the atmosphere as one built on unity, humour and strong leadership.
“Actually, I can say it is like being with family. They are amazing guys, really amazing people. Everyone comes with a different character and it makes it more exciting. There is always humour and vibes on vibes with the boys,” he explained.
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“However, what I learnt most being with them is togetherness – how we come together when something happens, and how the captain, Wilfred Ndidi, handled things. He is honestly a leader I admire. The way he does his things and leads us is lovely. Ndidi doesn’t speak much, but he is a leader by action. The way he brings us together is just amazing. It is one of the things I picked up. I am really proud of him and proud of the team. Also, the energy at training, the intensity and what the coach brings to training is something you cannot compare anywhere.”
“You can watch Nigeria and be happy”
Ogbu believes the Super Eagles are on the right path and feels Nigeria can achieve even more if the core of the squad is kept together.
“For me, if the NFF are able to keep this amazing team, this great team we have here, I am not going to lie – the coaches, the technical crew, the way they handle everything is amazing. I believe if the team is given more chances, they can take things a notch higher.
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“The quality, the intensity, the perseverance – it is not just playing for Nigeria. You can see that the football is being restored, that you can watch Nigeria and be happy. That is the most important thing. From the bench to those they bring on, the professionalism is something you can’t describe. For me, there was a lot to learn at the tournament. At the end, I am happy and grateful, and we just have to keep pushing, trust in God for better tournaments and make Nigerians happy.” he added.
