Super Eagles defender, Igho Ogbu has revealed that he turned down a chance to represent Norway during his time at Lillestrøm. He stayed committed to his dream of playing for Nigeria, as reported by Soccernet.ng.
Ogbu began his journey with the Nigerian squad at the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and FIFA U-20 World Cup. In 2018, he moved to Norway and quickly became one of the league’s top defenders.
The center-back initially signed with Rosenborg but went on loan to Levanger and Sogndal. He later joined Lillestrøm, where his stellar 2022 season led to a record €2.5 million move to Slavia Prague in January 2023.
Reflecting on rejecting Norway, Ogbu shared that the decision was deeply personal. He cited his late father’s wishes as a guiding influence. “There was a chance to play for Norway,” Ogbu told SCORENigeria. “But I always knew my chance with the Super Eagles would come.”
That belief has paid off. The 25-year-old is now set to represent Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. His story is a testament to perseverance and loyalty to his roots.
Ogbu’s rise from a young talent in Nigeria to a top defender in Europe underscores his dedication and determination. As he prepares for the World Cup qualifiers, his decision to stay true to Nigeria has become a proud moment in his career.
