Chiedozie Ogbene, a trailblazing Irish international of Nigerian descent, made history in June 2021 as the first African-born player to represent the Republic of Ireland at the senior level.
The winger, who spent his early years in Lagos, debuted in a goalless friendly against Hungary, marking the beginning of a remarkable international career.
Early Life and the Move to Ireland
Born on May 1, 1997, in Lagos, Nigeria, Chiedozie moved to Ireland in 2005 after his father, Emmanuel Ogbene, accepted a job offer there over one in Florida. Settling in Cork, young Chiedozie embraced Irish culture, attending Bunscoil Chríost Rí for primary school and Coláiste Chríost Rí for secondary education.
Despite adjusting to Ireland’s harsh winters, Chiedozie reflects on his family’s migration with gratitude. “When you go through winter days, you think, ‘Dad, what made you come here?’ But I’m reaping the rewards of being here. It was the best decision for our family,” he shared.
The Rise from Local Talent to National Hero
Ogbene began his football journey with Cork City and Limerick before joining Brentford in 2018. A loan spell at Exeter City followed, and in 2019, he moved to Rotherham United, where he made over 130 appearances. His stellar performances earned him a move to Luton Town in 2023, where he played 30 Premier League matches and scored four goals.
In August 2024, Chiedozie signed a four-year contract with Ipswich Town. Renowned for his exceptional speed, he clocked the second-fastest top speed in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season, second only to Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven.
International Career and Legacy
Despite being eligible to play for Nigeria, Ogbene declared his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland in 2020. He received his first call-up in May 2021 and scored his first international goal just months later, a dramatic 90th-minute header in a 3–0 victory over Azerbaijan.
Since then, Ogbene has earned over 24 caps, scored four goals, and was named the 2023 FAI Senior International Player of the Year. He hopes to inspire young players from diverse backgrounds, stating, “I want to be a role model for Irish players from similar backgrounds.”
Family, Heritage, and Identity
Chiedozie credits his parents, particularly his mother, Christina Ogbene, for their unwavering support. After every match, his mother calls to check on his well-being. “She was very teary after my debut,” he shared. “My mum feels famous in Cork because people ask about me, and she loves it.”
Proud of both his Nigerian heritage and Ireland’s growing diversity, Ogbene stands alongside other Irish players of Nigerian descent, such as Andrew Omobamidele and Adam Idah. “It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come. The mix of cultures makes our team stronger,” he noted.
An Icon of Dual Cultures
From playing Gaelic sports as a teenager to excelling in football, Chiedozie Ogbene’s story is one of resilience, cultural pride, and ambition. His journey from Lagos to Irish football heroism exemplifies the power of embracing multiple identities and achieving greatness in the face of challenges.
