Rotherham United man Chiedozie Ogbene 'overwhelmed' after scoring first Republic of Ireland goal

By The Newsroom
Published 10th Oct 2021, 10:55 BST
Republic of Ireland's players celebrate after scoring their side's first goal during the World Cup 2022 group A qualifying soccer match between Azerbaijan and Republic of Ireland at the Olympic stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. (AP Photo)Republic of Ireland's players celebrate after scoring their side's first goal during the World Cup 2022 group A qualifying soccer match between Azerbaijan and Republic of Ireland at the Olympic stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. (AP Photo)
Republic of Ireland's players celebrate after scoring their side's first goal during the World Cup 2022 group A qualifying soccer match between Azerbaijan and Republic of Ireland at the Olympic stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. (AP Photo)
Chiedozie Ogbene has thanked Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny for believing in him after marking his elevation to the international stage with a first senior goal for his country.

The 24-year-old Rotherham winger came off the bench in Baku to score the final goal in a 3-0 World Cup qualifier victory over Azerbaijan which finally ended Kenny’s wait for a first competitive victory at the 13th time of asking.

It was just Ogbene’s second cap with his first in a friendly draw with Hungary in June making him the first African-born player to represent Ireland at senior level.

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Asked about his goal, which came in the 90th minute at the Baki Olimpiya Stadium, he said: “When I scored my first goal, it was overwhelming, I’ve made a lot of sacrifices, my family and my friends.