By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor
Super Eagles defender Igoh Ogbu suffers lay off as he is set to miss Nigeria’s international friendly against Portugal on Wednesday, after sustaining a serious injury during a recent training session.
According to reports, preliminary medical assessments suggest the 26-year-old centre-back has suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon, which is expected to sideline him for a significant period, ruling him out for the remainder of the year and a large chunk of next season.
Ogbu had become a key figure in the Super Eagles defence, stepping up significantly following the international retirement of former captain William Troost-Ekong. Since making his debut during the 2025 Unity Cup, the Slavia Prague defender has earned 12 caps and played an important role in Nigeria’s bronze medal-winning campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The injury represents a major blow for both club and country. Ogbu had just helped SK Slavia Prague secure back-to-back Czech First League titles and was expected to be a central part of Eric Chelle’s plans for the tough friendlies against Poland and Portugal, as well as the upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
In his absence, coach Eric Chelle is likely to turn to experienced Premier League-bound defender Semi Ajayi or rising star Emmanuel Fernandez of Rangers to partner Calvin Bassey in central defence for the clash in Leiria, Portugal.
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