Slavia Prague head coach, Jindrich Trpisovsky, has revealed that Nigerian defender Igoh Ogbu may have suffered a tear in the adductor muscle in his groin, a potentially serious injury that could rule him out for several weeks.
The 25-year-old centre-back was notably absent from Slavia Prague’s matchday squad for Saturday’s Czech First League fixture against FK Dukla Prague, which ended in a goalless draw. His omission immediately raised concerns, especially since he has been a key defensive pillar for the club this season.
Following the match, club officials confirmed that Ogbu was left out due to a physical issue, and the severity of his condition is still under medical evaluation.
A Disappointing Blow After Super Eagles Call-Up
Ogbu’s injury comes at an unfortunate time, just weeks after he earned his first call-up to the Nigerian national team for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
Despite being named in Eric Chelle’s squad, the defender did not feature in either game, leaving many fans wondering why he was sidelined. Now, with the recent injury revelation, it appears he may have been carrying a fitness concern even before the international break.
Medical Assessment Underway
Addressing the media after Slavia Prague’s frustrating draw against Dukla Prague, Trpisovsky confirmed that Ogbu will undergo a series of medical assessments, including an MRI scan, to determine the extent of the damage.
“I don’t have a detailed report yet; he is going to have an MRI,” the coach stated via Slavia’s official website.
He also expressed concerns over the nature of the injury, hinting that Ogbu could be sidelined for a significant period.
“The first predictions suggest a tear in the adductor muscle in the groin. He had a similar injury in the past and managed to recover in half the expected time. We’ll know more after the examination, but it’s worrying.”
Slavia Prague Chairman Confirms Severity of Injury
Adding to the uncertainty, Slavia Prague’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Jaroslav Tvrdik, confirmed that Ogbu’s injury is significant enough to rule out any immediate return.
“This is not a minor issue. Recovery in just a few days is unrealistic. We will take every measure to ensure he gets the best possible treatment.”
With several crucial matches ahead, Slavia Prague’s medical team is expected to provide a detailed report in the coming days, which will determine how long Ogbu will be out of action.
Ogbu’s Impact and the Challenges Ahead for Slavia Prague
Since joining Slavia Prague, Ogbu has been an indispensable figure in the team’s defensive setup. His leadership at the back has contributed significantly to the club’s impressive record of sixteen clean sheets across all competitions this season.
The Nigerian’s absence could be a major setback for Trpisovsky’s side, as they continue their battle for domestic and European success. Slavia Prague currently faces intense competition at the top of the Czech First League, and missing one of their top defenders could expose their backline in upcoming matches.
As the club awaits further medical updates, both Slavia Prague fans and Nigerian supporters will be hoping for a swift and successful recovery for the talented centre-back.
