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Tag: John Ogu

  • Ogu set to join NPFL side Rivers United

    Ogu set to join NPFL side Rivers United

    Former Nigeria international John Ogu is on the verge of sealing a move to Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club Rivers United, Soccernet.ng reports.

    The experienced midfielder, who earned 26 caps for the Super Eagles, is set to make a return to Nigerian football after over a decade playing his trade abroad.

    Ogu began his football journey in Nigeria with Akwa Starlets, Akwa United, and Flying Sports Academy before launching his professional career in Europe. In 2006, he signed for Slovenian side Drava Ptuj, where he spent four years, scoring eight goals in 97 appearances.

    Read Also: NNL Super 8: Rabiu Tata targets  NPFL ticket  with Barau FC

    In 2010, the 36-year-old moved to Portugal to join Atlético Clube de Portugal. He later had brief spells with Almería B in Spain and Leiria in Portugal before establishing himself in Israel with Hapoel Be’er Sheva, where he enjoyed the most successful stint of his club career.

    Ogu was first called up to the Super Eagles in March 2013 and made his debut in a 1–1 draw against Kenya during a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier. He scored his first international goal on 31 May 2013 in a friendly against Mexico in Houston.

    If confirmed, Ogu’s move to Rivers United will bolster the Port Harcourt-based club’s midfield options ahead of the new NPFL season and their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

  • Ogu inspires young footballers at Footballers Connect 2.0

    Nigeria international John Ogu was on hand to continue the footballing enlightenment to over 500 aspiring players at Footballers Connect 2.0 which took place at Finicky Event Centre, Jibowu, Lagos last weekend.

    NationSport reports that the second edition of the event, an initiative of Sports Management company, Hay Sports, delivered further on its mandate to bridge the wide gap between up and coming footballers, professionals and ex-internationals – and the relevant industries that is relative with the sport.

    Ogu, fresh from helping the Nigerian national team to a third-place finish at the 2019 African Cup of Nations in Egypt, talked the participants through his grass to grace story, detailing his experiences with unscrupulous agents, advisors, club administrators and coaches before going ahead to become a winner.

    The session was moderated by BBC ace sports journalist, Shina Okeleji who rolled back the years in Ogu’s career.

    “I took a risk, letting go my education to play football in Slovenia. It was cold, and tough. About six of us left Nigeria then, it wasn’t easy,” Ogu, responding to Okeleji’s question, told Footballers Connect 2.0 participants.

    Read also: Footballers Connect: John Ogu to inspire 400 young footballers

    “Young players should we wary of bad agents who are only concerned about the money and not the development of the player.”

    Ogu also revealed how he had to train on his own for a long period and moved in with Super Eagles teammate Ogenyi Onazi in Rome, during the midfielder’s spell at Lazio.

    “I had to terminate my contract with Academica in Portugal,” he continued.

    “Staying in Europe without a team was one of the toughest parts of my career. I moved in with Onazi in Italy, he helped and supported me during these times until I had a chance to move to Israel, it wasn’t the best of offers but I had to get playing again.”

    “I’m happy today, I came over the period and here I am today.”

    Urging the youngsters not to allow the focus on the bigger picture and fancy professional footballer life deter them from putting in the hard work, Ogu concluded: “There is time for work and time to enjoy your money.”

    Also, Okeleji discussed at length the need to maintain a positive relationship with the media, especially in the age of digital and social media.

    Ayodele Thomas, chairman of Football Intermediaries Association of Nigeria presented a paper titled “Human Trafficking in or through Football”, aimed at helping youngsters decipher regular patterns of fraudsters parading themselves as football “agent”, and making known to players that they are to be treated by agent only as investments.

    Also, an interactive panel session had the quartet of Okeleji, Thomas, Beverley Agbakoba Onyejianya, Head of Sports at Olisa Agbakoba Legal and Tinubu Akintunde Ahmed, Chairman, Lagos Divisional Football Association acting as representatives of important and interdependent sectors in football.

    The aspiring footballers were made familiar to the media, sports law, agency and administration; all of which are believed to help them navigate through to a successful career in football.

  • JOHN OGU: I’m gradually overcoming my aerophobia

    Days before hitting Asaba en route to Egypt for the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Super Eagles’ midfielder John Ogu speaks about life and football in a lively conversation with MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN.

    His fear for flight is palpable and despite his macho-look usually looking agitated so much he’s always a butt of joke of Super Eagles’ colleagues while on national team assignments.

    Fear of flying, according to an online encyclopaedia, ‘is a fear of being on an aeroplane (airplane), or other flying vehicle such as a helicopter while in flight and it is also referred to as flying anxiety, flying phobia, flight phobia, aviophobia or aerophobia.’

    But Super Eagles midfielder John Ogu says he’s is gradually overcoming his flying phobia with his resolve to commit his ‘goings and comings’ to his maker.

    “It is sort of a weird thing to me being up there inside the big bird,” the 31-year-old Ogu, fondly called ‘Thirty’ by close pals, told The Nation. “But I’ve started getting over it by remaining focussed and putting everything in the hands of God by praying for safe flights. I think I’m different now.”

    Since 2013, Ogu has become one of the familiar faces in the Super Eagles and he reckons the coach Gernot Rohr-led side will be hard to beat at the Total Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2019.

    “I don’t really need any other extra motivation going to the AFCON in Egypt because I consider it a big blessing every opportunity I have to be in the Super Eagles,” explained the former Akwa United midfielder who made his international debut with Super Eagles as substitute for injured Victor Moses in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Calabar on 23rd March 2013.

    “We already know that there is a big task ahead of us because the Nations Cup is a big tournament and I think we have the opportunity to go there and win it.

    “I’m personally motivated for this opportunity and I know that everybody in the team is equally motivated to go out there and do our best.”

    In 2013, Ogu was not part of the squad when the late coach Stephen Keshi led the country to her third title in South Africa and the Hapoel Beer Sheva’s midfielder said he was looking forward to the opportunity of being crowned African champions as well.

    He said: “I don’t think we are under any pressure, really. We are all professionals and we have the attitude and mentality to go out there and do our best in order to win the AFCON.

    “Nigeria won the AFCON in 2013 and we all appreciate the kind of respect it brought to our country; so we are also looking forward to this coming AFCON with the view to bringing honour to our country.

    “We know it’s not going to be easy but we are going to give our best in Egypt. We just want the fans to be behind us and continue to pray for us because we are determined to do our best at this AFCON so that we can also make them happy at the end of this tournament,” states Ogu as he speaks on other sundry issues.

     

    Lessons from Russia

    No doubt we have learned so much from our mistakes at the World Cup in Russia and I think we used it in our subsequent matches in the qualification for the AFCON. Now we are very much aware of our mistakes at the World Cup in Russia and we will try as much as possible not to make the same mistake at the AFCON in Egypt. It would be a different ball game at the Nations Cup and we just have to come out strongly from the start. We have a group of talented players that have done so well for themselves with various clubs and I think everybody will be ready to bring the spirit and success they achieved at their various clubs to the national team.

     

    No easy games  at the AFCON

    There is nothing like a walkover because we have Burundi and Madagascar in our group at the AFCON. There is nothing like a walkover in any of the matches in a tough tournament such as the AFCON because all the teams worked hard to qualify. That means it’s not going to be easy because everyone would come with the determination to succeed. We are not going to underrate any team; we are going to be serious and take each match as it comes. Without any exemption, every other team can give us a tough game and that is why we can’t look down on any team. We just have to focus on ourselves and ensure we win our matches. Like the manager (Gernot Rohr) would always say that we are a collection of players as a team and I think that is even our greatest strength because there is no particular player we are looking up to in our team. Everyone one of us wants to just give our best. We have enough quality in our team but we are not getting carried away at all. We will not be afraid of taking on anybody at the AFCON.

     

    New young faces in the Super Eagles

    These boys you mentioned including Samuel (Chukwueze); Victor (Osimhen) and Paul (Onuachu) are talented players and they had a very successful season at their clubs and that would certainly give them enough motivation and confidence coming into the Super Eagles. I think everybody in Nigeria is happy seeing these young lads who can add value to the team. We don’t see them as too young to be in our midst because we are all professionals here; and every one of us is already looking forward to the Nations Cup. These are talented and very hungry lads who want to bring honour to the country.

     

    Life in Israel

    I played in Israel for five years and I had great experiences over there. The Israeli league really helped my career and even as a person but now I want a fresh challenge for my career. I think this is the best time for me to take that step forward; I left Israel a proud man. Now, I’m looking forward to the AFCON and after that, I can be talking about where next. I would decide about my future after the AFCON. Right now, it’s the AFCON for me.

     

    Dream career before football

    While in school, I’d wanted to be a banker but football had always been what I loved since I started playing on the streets. I’m not regretting the fact that I picked football as a career. I’m proud about what I’ve done despite the fact that there had been ups and downs in my career. Football is my life and that’s what makes me happy. One of the key things for me is to make people around me happy. Of course, there are so many negative things to make one cry but I’m happy I’ve not gotten to that level in my life. I don’t pray for such situation.

    Being the best in Africa

    Sometimes, the best don’t always get what they deserve and sometimes I don’t think some players have done better than what some of our players have done for their clubs. I still wonder why Ndidi was not selected in the Best XI in Africa the last time and I’m sure everybody would agree with me that Ndidi truly deserved to be in that list. But the good thing is that we still have a lot of players coming up and I know that very soon, we shall have players to contest for the African Footballer of the Year.

  • John Ogu cautions: Beware of social media braggers!

     

    Super Eagles midfielder John Ogu has advised whoever cares to listen and indeed the youths in particular to take information on social media with a pinch of salt as all that glitters is not gold.

    The Hapoel Be’er Sheva of Israel midfielder noted that many people claim to be what they are not adding that wisdom comes to play if anyone is to avoid going astray.

    Apparently irked by social media braggers, the former Académica ace, who was recently handed partial custody of his daughter Ivanna in an ongoing divorce suit with his wife Veronica, simply concluded by urging everyone to be wise.

    “Only on Social media everyone forms, I DONT CARE .Many are actually not what you see them form or brag about on Social Media. BE WISE!!!,” he cautioned

    He also appeared to be addressing the avalanche of advice that comes rolling in like tornadoes whenever there is a crack in relationships. “Many will form Motivational advisers on Social Media but in reality they are worse” he noted

    Ogu who joined Hapoel Be’er Sheva in 2014 has so far made over 140 appearances for the side scoring 13 goals. The 30 year old that was part of the Super Eagles squad to the last World cup in Russia, will be hoping to be part of action when Eagles reconvene ahead of the last AFCON qualifier against Seychelles in March.

    Hapoel Be’er Sheva are 7th on the 14-team Isreali league with 29 points in 22 matches.

  • Court grants footballer custody of daughter

    A Lagos State High Court in Igbosere (Family and Probate Division) has granted Super Eagles star John Ogu partial custody of his daughter in an on-going divorce suit filed against his wife Veronica.

    Justice M. A. Savage ordered that he could stay with Ivanna Ogu during summer vacation (July to August), Easter, Christmas and New Year holidays.

    The judge ruled on a motion on notice filed on Ogu’s behalf by the firm of Olumide Babalola LP.

    The order is to subsist pending the hearing and determination of the divorce petition.

    Veronica had opposed the application, praying the court to refuse to grant Ogu partial custody.

    Justice Savage held that a father is obliged to cater for his child. “That is trite law,” he held.

    He added: “From the totality of processes before me, I believe the applicant as the father is imposing on himself his natural obligation, which will be granted as the facts satisfy a grant of such sought interlocutory orders.”

    Read also: Africa Senior Badminton Championship: BCA Sec Gen lauds Nigeria

    The judge also directed the respondent to provide Ogu with the school/creche’s account details for the payment of the baby’s school fees.

    The court granted an interlocutory order prohibiting Veronica from changing Ivanna’s school without Ogu’s written consent.

    Ogu is also to pay for the baby’s health insurance, while her international and American passports are to be submitted to the court for safekeeping.

    Justice Savage directed Ogu to make a monthly payment of N400,000 by the sixth of every month for the child’s upkeep “without delay or default”.

    The judge, however, said Veronica could take the child outside Lagos but not outside Nigeria.

    “Whenever the passports are required, a formal application on notice should be made for their release. I so rule,” the judge added.

  • 2018/19 Season: Ogu ready with new Adidas deal

    Super Eagles and Hapoel Be’er Sheva midfielder John Ogu has extended his deal with Adidas, describing the feat as another boost ahead of the new season kicks off on Saturday.

    The former Académica of Portugal ace showcased his new boot after sealing the deal Monday.  The deal will see Ogu who was part of the Nigerian team to the last world cup in Russia continue to use and showcase the company’s boot for another two years.

    Be’er Sheva will open their campaign for the 2018/2019 season with an away tie against Hapoel Ironi Kiryat shmona at the Kiryat-Shmona Municipal Stadium.

    Ogu claimed the league title last season as the club finished first securing 57 points in 26 matches. It would be the third time the club would be claiming the title another impressive performance this season will increase the tally to four.

    Ogu who received a pat on the back from some quarters after pushing aside distracting marriage issues ahead of the world cup to focus on the job at hand will be hoping to replicate his impressive show last season that contributed to clinching the title.”Buzzing with @adidas for another 2years” he enthused on social media Monday.

    Ogu who has been with the Israeli club since 2014, has made over 127 appearances scoring 12 goals.

  • Court restrains John Ogu’s wife from ‘fleeing’ with their daughter

    A Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere has restrained Veronica Chiugo, wife of Super Eagles player, John Ogu, from taking their two-year-old daughter, Ivanna Adaeze Ogu, outside Lagos without his consent.

    Justice O. O. Femi-Adeniyi (Mrs) made the order on July 17, following a July 16 ex parte motion Ogu filed through his counsel Olumide Babalola seeking eight reliefs.

    Justice Adeniyi also authorised Ogu to, among others, pay a monthly maintenance fee of N50,000 for the upkeep of his wife and Baby Ivanna Ogu.

    The judge upheld all the footballer’s prayers, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit, seeking the dissolution of the estranged couple’s marriage.

    Veronica Chiugo Ugo is the sole respondent in the suit, marked LD/4760HD/18.

    The applicant’s motion was supported by a July 16 affidavit, signed by “one Daniel John Daniel” of No. 49, Lawson Street, Lagos Island.

    Justice Adeniyi held: “The applicant is mandated to be responsible for the welfare, feeding, education, health needs, clothing and all other necessary needs of the child of the marriage (Baby Ivanna Ogu).

    Read Also: John Ogu: I will dance ‘Shaku Shaku’ at the World Cup

    “The respondent is mandated to provide the applicant with the school/crèche’s account details of Baby Ivanna Ogu for the purpose of payment of tuition and all other fees which shall be wholly borne by the applicant.

    “The applicant is mandated to promptly pay into the school/crèche’s account provided all tuition and necessary school/crèche payments as officially required by the school/crèche for the benefit of Baby Ivanna Ogu.

    “The respondent is prohibited from changing Baby Ivanna Ogu’s school/crèche without the written consent of the Applicant.

    “The respondent is mandated to obtain health insurance for Baby Ivanna Ogu at the applicant’s expense which monies shall be paid directly to the insurance company.

    “The respondent is mandated to submit Ivanna’s American and Nigerian international passports to the registrar of this honourable court for safekeeping.

    “The applicant is mandated to pay monthly maintenance of N50,000.

    “The respondent is prohibited from moving Ivanna Ogu out of Lagos State without the written consent of the Applicant.”

    She adjourned till July 24 for further hearing.

  • Sister-in-law blast Ogu on daughter’s birthday

    Super Eagles Star, John Ogu has drawn the ire of his in-laws after he posted a message on his Twitter handle to celebrate his daughter Ivanna who turned one on Saturday.

    The player who should hit Russia on Monday with his national teammates for the FIFA World Cup has been separated from his wife Vera after two years of marriage.

    Owing to national duties, Ogu decided to express his fatherly love to Ivanna who has been with her mother since leaving Israel last year.
    On this day last year ,I was in uyo serving my father land on your special day against South Africa . Today is your special day and I still can’t spend this day with you my Baby girl . Daddy is out here working hard to make you proud in Russia . Happy Birthday my love !!❤️❤️

    But the love was not welcomed by Vera’s sister, Mimi who took to Twitter to vent her anger.

    Mimi  @iam_meemee-  could not hold back her emotions as she blasted the Israeli based midfielder for claiming to love his daughter.

    “But Daddy was in Nigeria 2 weeks ago and didn’t see his daughter! Oh I forgot Daddy hasn’t seen his daughter since he kicked her and her mom out from Isreal LAST YEAR. You can do everything John but what you won’t do is pretend like you’re Ivanna’s life for the gram,” tweeted Mimi

    The current development implies that Ogu will have the heart of a lion to remain focused in Russia as he serves his father land inspite of his marital issues.

    The couple welcomed their daughter few months after their widely publicised wedding that was attended by the creme de la creme of the society.

  • JOHN OGU: I will dance ‘Shaku Shaku’ at the World Cup

    Super Eagles midfielder to the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, John Ogu, has caught the Shaku Shaku bug and has enthused about displaying dancing steps should he find the net at Russia 2018.
    Shaku Shaku is and reportedly ‘done by stretching out the arm and crossing them over each other in front with the legs widened out and launching into a graceful half-galloping.’
    Thanks to rap superstar Olumide, Shaku Shaku is now the most popular dance step in Nigeria and the 30-year-old Hapoel Be’er Sheva midfielder truly loves it, saying he has mastered the dancing step which he will show case as the Super Eagles search for goals and glory in Russia.
    “I know everything that is trending in the country and when I heard about Shaku Shaku dance, I took time to know about it,” the 30-year-old Hapoel Be’er Sheva midfielder told THE NATION. “So, if I manage to score at the World Cup, I will definitely celebrate with Shaku Shaku dance.”
    However, the burly player has assured that it would not be all about fancy dance steps for him at the World Cup.
    “I am a different person when I get to the pitch. I don’t talk to anybody on game day. I like to focus on the game. I am a very serious minded player when I am on the pitch because I try to be as professional as possible.”
    Meanwhile, Ogu also expressed his delight for being part of the Super Eagles squad for what would be his first attendance at the FIFA World Cup even as he takes us through his trajectory with the beautiful game in this interview with Correspondent TUNDE LIADI. Excerpts…

    eginning

    My football started on the streets. I was playing without football shoes. I did so with pants with my friends. It was tough growing up but we are here today because I worked hard. I was lucky I didn’t have parents who were opposed to my playing football. They were there for me. I am happy so far with my achievement. Where I wanted to be is not where I think I am, but I am really grateful to God for how far he has brought me. I have so many ups and downs and I fought hard to surmount them.

    For one, I never played in any club in the Nigerian league. I grew up playing for a youth side in Surulere, Starlets FC – an academy in Surulere, Lagos. It was there that Marshall Braye of Flying Sports Academy in FESTAC, Lagos, spotted me and took me out of the country to Slovenia where I started professional soccer for Drava Ptuj. I was there for four years before moving to Almeria in Spain. I stayed in Spain for only eight months and moved on again to join third division Atletico CP in Portugal. In Portugal, I played for two other teams; Uniao Leiria and Academica, for two seasons. I never expected I would move to Israel. When I played against Hapoel Tel Aviv in one of our pre-season games at Academica I never knew I would end up there. I’ve been there now for four seasons.

    2017/18 Israeli top league season

    The beginning of the season was really difficult for us because we had lots of ups and downs; injuries and the like. It was a tough season for us as a team. Our captain, who was a very important member of the team, was suspended for doping. A reliable defender also got injured and was out for many months. We struggled at a time, but in the end, we came out tops in spite of the fact that many people had written us off. We won many games and showed the right character that fetched us the league title.

    Europa League experience

    It was my second time playing in the Europa League for Hapoel, but I had a taste of it with Academica in Portugal. It is always an experience when you play against top teams from different countries.

    We were not in same shape we were two seasons ago when we beat Inter Milan and other big clubs but the comfort we have is that we won the domestic league again. We hope that we can do better next session to get to the Champions’ League group stage.

    Support for Arsenal

    Yes! I remain an Arsenal fan. When Arsene Wenger announced he would be leaving Arsenal at the end of last season, the announcement was actually made on my birthday. A lot of my friends said it was a gift from Arsene to me. I think Wenger has done enough for football in general. It was an emotional day when he announced his exit and we wish him well in his future endeavours.

    That Unai Emery is taking over as new manager is also a good thing. First, he is coming from PSG which is a great side and has won lots of trophies with them. He was able to manage big players successfully, including Neymar. He is a coach that has made a name for himself at Sevilla and PSG where he won the Europa League and the league titles with both clubs. I think handling Arsenal is going to be a big one for him and I wish him well. If he is able to get the right players – players that are willing to fight and work harder, he can make things happen.

    All-time favourite player in Arsenal

    Everyone knows it is Thierry Henry. Kanu Nwankwo also played his part but Henry was everything for Arsenal while Kanu was one of the reasons I started watching Arsenal.

    Love for social media

    I believe in the streets. I see it worthwhile to associate with those that are supporting me. I don’t call them fans. I know that some people say it is not necessary but I feel I am getting the love that I don’t deserve them and must reciprocate. It is because of this I take my time to reach out to them on my various social media platforms.

    First call up to Super Eagles

    If you see me that day at home, I could not curtail my joy. It was Elderson (Echiejile) that called me because I was in Portugal. He told me that the late Stephen Keshi would like to speak with me. I didn’t believe because a few months earlier, I watched him win the Nations Cup. I was invited to the next Eagles game. It was amazing because I have always supported the Super Eagles, watching all their games on TV. It was when I reported to camp and I got on the pitch with team captain, Mikel Obi, that I knew it was real. Everything that happened to me today is just by the grace of God and I give Him the glory at all times.

    Bidding my time

    I did not play many matches but I know that if it is my time no one can deny me that opportunity. I respect every manager that I work under and I abide by their decisions. People may see it outside that maybe I wasn’t doing well in training but it is not only about that. Sometimes, some managers have their players and they just have others around because they know that they can also help. I am happy to get the call-up and whenever I am in the Eagles camp I don’t come to party or to relax. I come to work and to help my country.

    Unwinding

    I listen to all songs. I know songs that are trending in Nigeria.

    I like both Davido and Wizkid; they are doing well. They are role models and some other artists are also looking up to them to be like them. Our artists are doing well but some of them do not have the funds to realise their dreams.

    Buzz around Super Eagles Camp

    We are like one big family here. Gone are those days when we were not united. We are now very united. We even have a group chat where we keep in touch with everyone on the team. The funniest person I think is Uche Agbo. When you see him eat and engage in other things, you will not but laugh. Everyone has their own swag and fashionable in their own way.

    Biggest football achievement

    I will pick two. One is winning the league title with Hapoel Be’er Sheva when no one expected us to do so and the second is being in the Nigerian team to the World Cup. I could not make the provisional list for the last World Cup in Brazil and here I am today in the World Cup squad to Russia.

    If not a footballer

    I wanted to be a banker because of the respect people have them. I was a brilliant student but football took that and there is no going back. When I had to leave school for football, I had a big fight with my mom and other members of the family. They tried everything possible to dissuade me from playing football but they were unable to change my resolve. I did go to the university but I had to drop out because my love for football had taken over. I read Business Administration. It was the only thing on everybody’s lips back then but when I got an offer outside Nigeria I had to pull out.

    Goal against Algeria

    All the games before the qualifying game in Algeria, I did not get a chance to play and people were asking questions why I get called up. But when I heard the manager say that all the players that didn’t have the chance to play in the previous matches will get their chance against Algeria I was looking forward to that game. We had a Europa League before that game against Steaua Bucharest (Romania) where I got injured in the match. I was told that I would be out for three weeks so I was really worried. But I was lucky as I started running after two weeks because I really wanted to be fit for the game with Algeria. I wanted to show the coach that he could trust me. I am happy that the manager was impressed with the way I played not just for the goal but the way I played generally.The goal was later nullified but for me it is still relevant and if you go on YouTube and other social media outlets, I still get to watch my goal.

    Pre-World Cup win against Argentina

    Many people didn’t know that the formation we played in that game was achieved at the last training session which was just a night before that game. It was tough for us in the first half but we have an experienced captain (Mikel Obi) who spoke to us and his views were backed up by the manager (Gernot Rohr). I think everyone came out prepared in the second half to lift their game and we were delighted to get the goals and to beat them. It was really nice winning that game because if we had lost that game, many of us might not get a recall.  I am happy that we were able to prove everybody wrong that we could do it.  Future plans in the Israeli league

    I want to continue to bring the motivation and energy into the national team also. I always say to myself that anytime I have the chance to play for the national team, I will bring that same spirit to it. I played a lot of games this season. I featured in over 40 games and I know that playing in Hapoel has really helped me. Everyone there sees me as the captain of the team. I am highly respected and they inspire me to do more. I like that kind of challenge. I don’t know. I have one year contract left. Every year we play in the Europa League and this year we are fighting to play in the Champions League again. If we get to play in the Champions League, where else will I want to go to? I have to play in the Champions League. I have a year contract left and I have been asked a similar question too by the club’s management. I was told that the president of the club is afraid that if I go to the World Cup and I get to play, I may leave them. I let them know that if I am not wanted again by the club I may be allowed to leave and if they want me to stay, they have to pay.

    Teammate with Anthony Nwakaeme

    I remember I told him before he joined us that if he comes to our club he will win titles. He came and he made such huge impact. I didn’t say he was the best player in Israel because I was joking. He is actually the best foreign player that has played in Israel League. We may have a strong case for Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Vincent Enyeama who also did well while they were playing in Israel. They saw Aiyegbeni more when he was here because he took Maccabi Haifa to the Champions League and scored some goals but you need to see how Nwakaeme play. He scores and makes assists.

    Retirement plans

    It is going to be tough after football. I am even scared to think of a day that I will have to hang my boot and stop playing. I don’t know how I am going to feel, but after football, I will take a year or two to rest. If I am going to come back to football after my retirement, it will probably be as a coach.

     

    SHORT & Sharp

    Favourite design

    I don’t have any favourite design. I just put on anything that looks decent on me.

    Favourite boot

    I have an endorsement by Adidas, so boots under their stable are my preference for now.

    Best 11

    Ter Stergen, Dani Alves, Sergio Ramos, Gerrard Pique, Marcelo, Sergio Busquest, Luca Modric, Toni Troos, Neymar, Messi, and C. Ronaldo.

    FIFA or PES

    I don’t play any of the two. I don’t play PES. I don’t like it. I bought it one time but I had to pack it.

    Relaxation

    I listen to music.

    Favourite Nigerian dish

    All African foods but dog meat.

    Favourite colour

    I don’t really have any. I don’t look at colour when I put on cloth. I’m good to go with good cloth irrespective of the colour.

  • Emotional challenge for Ogu as marriage crashes!

     

    As players who made Coach Gernot Rohr’s 30-man provisional list continue to bask in the euphoria of their selection,Hapoel Beer Sheva of Israel midfielder John Ogu will be intensifying prayers against emotional distraction capable of denying him a place in the final 23.

    Information which emerged on social media Friday revealed that the less than three years marriage of the former Académica ace has run into troubled waters.  The information further revealed that the couple who wedded at the Ikoyi Registry have not only gone for each other’s jugular but have deleted all they have posted in common and have gone ahead to un-follow themselves on instagram.

    Ogu who recently helped his side to clinch the Israeli Premier League title hit celebration mood when he made the 30-man provisional list, and  taking to the social media the 30 year old said shortly after release of the list””I’m very excited, I just won the league last week (Israeli League), and I thank God for making the WC provisional 30-Man list,”

    Ogu who has  described the friendly matches lined up ahead of the World cup as big tests, has left no one in doubt that he is looking forward to the ties against Congo in Port Harcourt, the tie against England at the Wembley on June 2nd which will be the last before the final 23-man squad is released on June 4th. Seven players are expected to be dropped by June 4th and the current camping by the 30 chosen players according to analyst demands that every player be at his best to improve his chances of making the cut off mark.

    The current development implies that Ogu will no doubt have the heart of a lion to remain focused for the friendly matches and by extension for the world cup if eventually picked.

    The couple welcomed a baby girl few months after their widely publicised wedding that was attended by crème dela crème of the society.