Contrary to recent media claims, Super Eagles invitee Igoh Ogbu will not be making a summer move to Turkish giants Besiktas. The 24 year old defender, who has enjoyed a standout season with Czech champions Slavia Prague, has officially committed his future to the club by signing a new contract that runs until December 2027.
Although Ogbu’s representatives have close ties with Besiktas manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer due to their previous role in securing Odion Ighalo’s move to Manchester United there have been no negotiations or discussions regarding a transfer.
The Nigerian centre-back, who joined Slavia Prague from Lillestrom in January 2023 in a deal worth €2.5 million (potentially rising to €3 million), has recently drawn attention from multiple French Ligue 1 clubs. However, he opted to extend his stay in Prague, putting an end to transfer speculation at least for now.
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With Calvin Bassey unavailable for Nigeria’s upcoming Unity Cup and friendly against Russia, Ogbu is now in line for a potential debut with the Super Eagles.
Editorial
Rumours in football are as abundant as goals but clarity is priceless. The news that Igoh Ogbu is not joining Besiktas and has instead signed a contract extension with Slavia Prague is not just a piece of transfer gossip dispelled it’s a show of loyalty, strategy, and belief in a project.
In an era where players often jump at the first offer from a bigger league, Ogbu’s decision to remain in Prague signals maturity. It shows that he values stability, development, and perhaps the opportunity to lead and grow in a team where he is central not just part of the rotation.
It’s easy to get swept up in the glamour of a move to Turkey’s Super Lig or France’s Ligue 1. But there’s something powerful in choosing the right step rather than the next step. At Slavia, Ogbu has found form, visibility, and—now—faith from his club. That foundation could serve him well, especially as he eyes a breakthrough with the Super Eagles.
Let’s also acknowledge how these choices shape the perception of Nigerian players abroad. Staying and succeeding in Prague demonstrates that Nigerian talent isn’t just migratory it’s resilient and calculated. Ogbu’s stock is rising, and this new deal could be the launchpad for even bigger moves in the years to come.
For now, his focus turns to the national team and his time to shine in green may be just around the corner.
Did You Know?
- Igoh Ogbu captained Nigeria’s U17 team during the 2017 CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- He made his European debut with Norwegian club Rosenborg BK before moving to Lillestrom, and later Slavia Prague.
- Slavia Prague has won more Czech First League titles than any other club in the 21st century.
- Ogbu’s current agent also represents several Super Eagles alumni, including Odion Ighalo and John Ogu.
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, now coaching Besiktas, has previously managed Nigerian players at Manchester United and Molde FK.
