Slavia Prague and Super Eagles defender Igoh Ogbu has sent a strong message to fans, insisting that while he is willing to accept criticism over his performances, he will not tolerate insults directed at his family.
The Nigerian centre-back acknowledged that criticism comes with being a professional footballer, stressing that supporters have every right to express their opinions about his performances on the pitch. However, he believes there should be a clear boundary between football criticism and personal attacks.
Ogbu who is recuperating from an injury since June, explained that he does not take offence when fans question his performances or criticise the Super Eagles, as everyone is entitled to their opinion.
“For example, if I go on social media and I see people saying Super Eagles players are very bad, I take it like this is what that person knows and he speaks about what he thinks he knows,” Ogbu told RG.
“I leave it like that because I have never insulted a fan back in my life.”
The 26-year-old also recalled an unpleasant experience involving a Slavia Prague supporter following a defeat, revealing how a fan who had lost money on a bet sent a disturbing message to the players.
“There was a time we went for a game with Slavia and we lost, and a fan who had placed a bet sent a note on social media to all the players saying he prayed that the plane we took had crashed so that we all died for what we made him lose,” he continued.
Despite such experiences, Ogbu maintained that criticism of his football performances is something he can accept without responding aggressively.
“The only thing I get angry about is when you put my family into your criticism,” he added. “You can speak about football and tell me I played badly. You can tell me to do better and you will never hear me speak.
“But if you insult me and start insulting my family, I will come for you, and I am very honest about that. They are not the ones playing. It is me. You can insult me, but not my family.”
Ogbu is not expected to be invited by Eric Chelle as Nigeria prepare for crucial games in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November.
The Super Eagles are second in Group L and will play co-host Tanzania in a double-header fixture next month.
