OFFICIAL: Igoh Ogbu joins Nigerian compatriot Peter Olayinka at Slavia Prague

By Monsurah Olatunji

Czech First League outfit Slavia Prague have announced the signing of Nigerian defender Igoh Ogbu from Norwegian side Lillestrom on a four-year deal for a reported of €2.5m.

The Czech outfit had housed three Nigerians in their squad last season, Yira Sor, Peter Olayinka, and Moses Usor before they lost forward Sor to Genk earlier in the ongoing transfer window.

According to the club’s manager Jindrich Trpisovsky, the Czech giants have been monitoring Ogbu for a while and attempted to sign him in the summer, as the manager was elated about finally getting his man.

“We are really happy about it, he is the player we were looking for typologically,” Trpisovsky said.

“He is a player we have been talking about for a long time, we were already interested in him during the summer transfer window.

“It really caught our attention, but unfortunately it didn’t work out in the summer for many reasons. Our interest continued, we continued to follow him. After long and complicated negotiations, the transfer has now been successful.”

On his own part, the 22-year-old former Gombe United academy player who played twice for Nigeria in the 2019 U-20 World Cup, is also very excited about his move to Slavia.

“I came here to make big things. Slavia is not about individualities, we will all fight for one team. And that is beautiful,” Igoh Ogbu told the club’s media on his first day at Eden.

“I feel amazing, I’m happy with the way the club welcomed me, that I could sign here.

“Every player’s dream is to win trophies, to leave behind a legacy in the team you are transferring to. Take away unforgettable memories. I really hope that I will succeed in Slavia.

“I’m looking forward to the fans, I’ve seen some matches, like the derby, and I know what a great atmosphere they can create. And I’m really looking forward to meeting my compatriots, Peter Olayinka and Moses Usor.”