John Ogu

John Ogu Biography / Profile

John Ogu Ugochukwu was born on April 20th, 1988 in Lagos, Nigeria. He plays as a Central Midfielder for Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Be'er Sheva and the Nigerian national team.

John Ogu Age

John Ogu is 36 years old.

John Ogu Early Life

Ogu dropped out of school to pursue his passion to play football professionally. When he was in a school, he dreamed of becoming a banker and stated that “If I wasn’t a player, then I would have been working in the bank.” He is named as one of the successful players to have played for Nigeria, a success which he has credited to his supportive parents.

John Ogu Career

Following his youth career, Ogu has played for Akwa Starlets, Akwa United and Fly Sports Academic. On July 2006, he was transferred to Drava Ptuj on a free transfer. During his four seasons with the team, he scored 8 goals in 97 appearances. On July 1, 2010, Ogu moved to Atletico CP but left after six months. On January 1, 2011, he signed with UD Almeria B, however, he left the club after a couple of months. On November 1, 2011, Ogu signed a contract with Leiria where he scored 3 goals in 17 appearances before leaving the club in 2012.

On July 27, 2012, Ogu was transferred to Coimbra on a free transfer and scored his first goal in Portuguese Cup matches. His first league goal came against Vitoria de Setubal, in the Portuguese Premier League. On August 1, 2014, he signed a five-year contract with the Hapoel Be'er Sheva while his market value was estimated to be £900,000. He scored his first goal against Maccabi Netanya in a victory 4-0. So far, Ogu has scored 10 goals in 105 appearances. He is the member of the team that won the Israeli Premier League (2015-2017), Israel Super Cup and Toto Cup in 2016-2017.

In March 2013, Ogu was called up to the National team of Nigeria for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and earned his senior cap under coach Stephen Keshi on March 23, 2013, against Kenya, replacing Victor Moses. On May 31, 2013, Ogu's first international goal came against Mexico at the Reliant Stadium, Houston. He was named as one of 23 players for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup by coach,Stephen Keshi. On November 10, 2017, Ogu scored his second goal against Algeria in 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier. For the nation, has earned 16 caps, scoring 2 goals.

John Ogu Personal Life

On December 29, 2015, Ogu got married to his fiance, Chicago Veronica Akaolisa at Ndiojukwu village, Uruagu, Nnewi North, local government area of Anambra state. He officially revealed that the day was "the happiest day of his life”. Ogu's wife Chicago graduated from the University of Alberta. He proposed to her at the stadium in front of his teammates. His wife is a blogger, entrepreneur, and novelist. They expanded their family with a beautiful daughter, Ivanna born in June 2016.

As of 2018, Ogu's market value is estimated at £1.35million. He earns a handsome amount of money from endorsing brand companies including Adidas. The Super Eagles’ midfielder is described as the seventh best-paid Nigerian player with a monthly wage of €8,300.