The former Nigeria youth international has established himself as one of the best players in European second division club competition
Igo Ogbu has been named in the coveted Europa League Team of the Week following his outstanding performance in Slavia Prague’s big win over FC Şerif, Soccernet.ng reports.
Ogbu produced some great performances at both ends of the pitch, helping Slavia Prague to a 6-0 win over FC Şerif in Group G Matchday 2.
The 23-year-old was a rock in defense as the former Czech champions kept a second consecutive clean sheet in the competition.
Ogbu’s standout moment came seven minutes into the match when he scored a stunning header to double Slavia Prague’s lead.
This goal was Ogbu’s second in the group stage, and they also scored in the first round win against Serbet.
The famous sports analysis platform Whoscored took note of Ogbu’s exceptional performance and rightly included him in their prestigious top 11.
The Super Eagles hopeful featured at centre-back alongside Slavia Prague teammate Tomáš Hores, with the defensive pair expected to protect former Spain international and Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina.
West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta and AS Roma’s trio of Andrea Belotti, Zeki Celik and Leandro Paredes also made the Best Eleven list.
Nigerians in the Europa League
Many Nigerian players took to the stage in Thursday’s Europa League, but only Ogbuo stood out and secured a place in the top 11.
Chuba Akpom made an outstanding performance as a substitute in Ajax Amsterdam’s 1-1 draw against AEK Athens.
Cyriel Dessars also failed to save Glasgow Rangers from a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Aris Limassol.
Ademola Lookman played a key role in Atalanta’s 2-1 away win against Sporting CP. Nathan Tella scored his first goal in a competitive match, giving Bayer his Leverkusen a comfortable 2-1 victory over Molde.
Ogbu’s career so far
Ogbu’s journey to this moment began when he was part of the Flying Eagles squad that participated in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.
His professional career began with Gombe United in Nigeria, before moving to Norwegian club Rosenborg in February 2018, where he signed a four-year contract.
Ogbu also gained experience through loan spells with Levanger and Sogndal, eventually agreeing a permanent contract with the latter in June 2020.
On 29 January 2021, he started a new chapter by moving to Lilleström, where he signed a five-year contract.
