Veteran midfielder John Ogu, aged 37, is on the verge of making a sensational return to the Nigeria Premier Football League with Rivers United. The experienced Super Eagles star, who last played for Israeli club Maccabi Jaffa, is reportedly in advanced talks with the Port Harcourt-based club ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Ogu began his football journey in Nigeria, featuring for youth sides such as Akwa Starlets and Akwa United. He would then embark on a professional career that spanned Europe and the Middle East. After a stint in Slovenia with Drava Ptuj, where he made 97 appearances and scored eight goals, Ogu moved through clubs in Portugal and Spain. However, he found his greatest success in Israel with Hapoel Be’er Sheva. There, he won multiple league titles and became a mainstay in the midfield, amassing over 150 appearances and 13 goals.
Internationally, Ogu earned 26 caps for the Super Eagles between 2013 and 2019. He scored once and represented Nigeria at the FIFA Confederations Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
In the previous season, Ogu played for Maccabi Jaffa in Israel’s Liga Leumit. There, he made 65 appearances and scored one goal over two campaigns (2022–2024). While his goal tally may seem modest, his role as a deep-lying playmaker and midfield anchor was pivotal.. His leadership and tactical acumen remain highly regarded. These are qualities that Rivers are keen to add as they prepare for both the NPFL and CAF Confederation Cup.
Rivers United’s Ambition
If finalised, Ogu’s signing would be a major coup for Rivers United. The Pride of Rivers are looking to bolster their midfield with international pedigree. His return is seen as both a boost for the club and a statement for the NPFL. Signalling the league’s growing appeal to top Nigerian talent who have plied their trade abroad.
Ogu’s potential return follows a growing trend of former Super Eagles stars coming back to the domestic league. In recent seasons, Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi rejoined Kano Pillars, while Brown Ideye signed for Enyimba. Bringing star power and experience to the NPFL. Analytics see their heir homecomings as game-changers, raising the league’s profile and inspiring a new generation of players.
If the deal goes through, John Ogu will not only make history as one of the oldest Super Eagles to return home but also reinforce the NPFL’s status as a destination for Nigerian football legends seeking to leave a lasting legacy on home soil.