Slavia Prague defender Igoh Ogbu has boldly claimed that he has no fear of any striker after going head-to-head with some of Europe’s top forwards this season.
Ogbu, one of Slavia Prague’s standout performers, has played a key role in helping his team dominate the Czech League and lead the table.
In the 2023/24 Europa League campaign, the Nigerian defender impressed against formidable opponents, including Romelu Lukaku, Olivier Giroud, and Omar Marmoush.
Reflecting on those encounters during an interview with Tribal Football, the Super Eagles-eligible defender revealed that facing these star forwards was a valuable experience but not a daunting one.
“Playing against Giroud, Lukaku, and Marmoush can be described as a good experience for me, a great thing,” Ogbu said.
“Lukaku is a very strong striker, Olivier Giroud, and Marmoush as well, who everybody knows; the experience is there. I wasn’t stressed at all.”
Ogbu stood firm against Olivier Giroud during Slavia Prague’s 3-1 Europa League loss to AC Milan, where the French forward was a constant menace.
He also faced Lukaku in two tough encounters against AS Roma, showcasing resilience in Slavia’s three-man defense. Against Eintracht Frankfurt, Ogbu squared up to Omar Marmoush in another challenging fixture.
“After playing against Lukaku, I think I don’t have any fear against any striker,” Ogbu confidently added.
Despite his stellar performances, Ogbu has yet to receive a call-up to the Super Eagles. However, the 23-year-old remains optimistic and patient about his national team prospects.
“I’m not in a haste. I just believe in what I can do, and I have to wait. Other Nigerians are playing, and other players are there as well.
It will always come to be your time if you keep working hard and improving your game. It will happen in God’s timing.”
As one of Nigeria’s rising defensive talents, alongside Fulham’s Calvin Bassey, Ogbu continues to prove himself in Europe, earning recognition as one of Slavia Prague’s most reliable players this season.
