Slavia Prague Coach Confirms Igoh Ogbu’s Return to Training vs Barcelona Clash

Nigeria international Igoh Ogbu has returned to training with Slavia Prague following his involvement with the Super Eagles at the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The central defender featured in three matches during Nigeria’s campaign, including the third-place playoff victory over Egypt, which was decided via a penalty shootout.

Ogbu’s return was confirmed by Slavia Prague head coach Jindřich Trpišovský, who spoke during his pre-match press conference ahead of the club’s UEFA Champions League fixture against Barcelona.

“Igoh also returned after the successful championship. He was out of the team for a while, but he is already training. Apart from the players who are not on the roster, the squad is complete,” Trpišovský said.

The 25-year-old defender had been a fitness concern ahead of the tournament after spending nearly three months sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Despite those concerns, Ogbu worked his way up the centre-back hierarchy during AFCON, benefitting from the international retirement of former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and an injury to Benjamin Fredrick, on loan from Brentford.

Ogbu previously made his UEFA Champions League debut for Slavia Prague in their 3–0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on December 9.

His return to full training boosts Slavia Prague’s defensive options ahead of their highly anticipated European encounter with the Spanish giants.