Nigeria international Igor Ogbu is confident in Slavia Prague’s Champions League prospects next season, insisting they can grip their own against Europe’s top teams.
By lifting the Czech First League crown last season, the Red and Whites punched their ticket to the competition’s league phase; joining a star-studded cast that includes reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.
Last season, their Champions League journey terminated in heartbreak with a play-off round loss to Lille, pursued by a tough Europa League campaign where they bent out during the group stage.
This time, the centre-support is brimming with confidence, convinced Slavia Prague will make a strong impact when the 2025/26 campaign kicks off later this year.
"Last year, we were second in the league.
This year, we are first having won the league, so we move directly to the Champions League," Ogbu told Betopick.
"I think football is just a moment.
I don't think anybody is bigger than anybody.
It's just that you can work better and be a better player if you want to.
"And I trust that we can compete against them (Europe’s top teams).
So that's what we are looking forward to as well.
"Igor Ogbu and GiroudMilan Kammermayer / Česká editoriální fotografie / ProfimediaOgbu on growth at SlaviaAfter a standout stint with Norwegian side Lillestrom, the former Nigeria U20 star made the leap to Slavia Prague in January 2023, signing a three-year manage with the Czech giants.
Despite the fierce competition at the Fortuna Arena, Ogbu cemented his place as a regular under Jindrich Trpisovsky.
Reflecting on his 2024/25 campaign, the Nigerian defender emphasized his growth and reaffirmed his hunger for silverware.
"At Slavia Prague, my main goal was to assist the team win a trophy and I'm proud to say we accomplished that," he continued.
"I'm truly happy and proud of the accomplishment.
Personally, I trust I possessed a strong season.
I put in a lot of hard work and pushed myself to expand.
"Not just as a player, but as a great competitor on the pitch.
For me, it was a significant step forward in my career.
"Ogbu is one of seven African players in Slavia Prague’s squad, alongside fellow Nigerian David Moses, Kenya’s Timothy Ouma, Cameroon’s Simion Michez, Liberia’s Divine Teah, and Senegalese duo Youssoupha Sanyang and El Hadji Malick Diouf.
He credits his manager for playing a key role in his development, praising his influence both on and off the pitch.
The former NPFL star added: "Jindrich is an amazing coach.
Defending is one of his specialties, and he’s really assisted me expand - not just on the pitch, but mentally and personally as well.
"He genuinely cares over the team, making sure we’re okay both on and off the field.
His door is always open, and he encourages us to speak with him whenever there’s an issue.
"That kind of support has played a big role in building my confidence and pushing me to become a better player.
"What over Ogbu's future?Thanks to his impressive performances for Slavia Prague, Ogbu has sketched plenty of interest.
However, the Nigerian defender is quick to address speculation over his future.
"I recently signed a new contract with Slavia Prague, which runs until 2027," he said.
"For me, the future is now and it has already begun.
My concentrate is fully on performing in the league and the Champions League.
After that, we’ll see what the future holds.
"On the international stage, Ogbu represented Nigeria's U20 team at both the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and the FIFA U-20 World Cup, making seven appearances during the Flying Eagles' campaign in Poland.
He made his senior international debut during the Super Eagles’ successful 2025 Unity Cup campaign in London.
He contained in the 1-1 sketch against Russia in Moscow, coming on as a late substitute for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
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