Super Eagles defender Igoh Ogbu in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has expressed his delight after being named in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to take place in Morocco.
The centre-back, who plays for Czech giants Slavia Prague, has returned to full fitness after a difficult period on the sidelines and is now in contention to make his first-ever AFCON tournament appearance for the country.
The 25-year-old said he is grateful to be included in the squad and considers every national team invitation a privilege.
“Yeah, for me it’s always great to represent my country. You know, it’s a thing of joy when you’re nominated to represent Nigeria. It’s been tough these past months, but I thank God,” Ogbu said. “Everything is okay now. I am fully fit now, and I have started playing again.”
He added that he is mentally and physically ready for the challenge ahead as the Super Eagles prepare for their training camp.
“I’m fine, I’m happy, and I’m excited for the journey to be able to represent my country with my heart, so I am really grateful to God for it,” Ogbu stated.
Ogbu, who represented Nigeria at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland in 2019, also paid glowing tribute to Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, who recently announced his retirement from international football after earning 83 caps.
“Yeah, about my captain, you know he has been an amazing person on and off the pitch. Yes, he’s a great guy, he’s a friendly guy. He’s always trying to help his teammates, always trying to help us in training and in games. He speaks with full energy,” Ogbu stated.
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He described the privilege of playing alongside Ekong, even if only for a short period:
“It’s a thing of joy for me to have the opportunity to play with him. I’m really happy, and I’m proud to play beside him even though it was not for a long time, but I’m grateful for the opportunity that I have. Every time, he has inspired us a lot.”
Ogbu concluded by wishing the former captain success in his next chapter.
“I am grateful to God for him and his family and everything, so I hope that in his next journey, God will see him through. So that’s my take on that,” he added.
