The Millers Reporter
Do you know everything there is to know about Chiedozie Ogbene? Join us in taking a look back at his career so far.
Prior to moving into professional football, Ogbene spent a lot of his time playing Gaelic Football. He joined Irish GAA side Nemo Rangers and at the same time he played for Nemo's neighbouring football team, Tramore Athletic. His peers and coaches felt that he could make it professionally in gaelic football, but Ogbene eventually chose to pursue a career in football.
Ogbene continued his development by making the move to England to join Everton's youth ranks. The winger was a Liverpool fan as a kid, but he had no qualms in joining their arch rivals Everton to aid his development. The Toffees are known for having a very good academy, so the time spent there by Ogbene will have been invaluable for his progress.
Ogbene's time at Everton came to an end in 2015 when he returned to Ireland to sign for Cork City. He played for their youth team to begin with and he played a big part as Cork became the first Irish team to play a part in the UEFA Youth League. On this run they recorded a famous win over HJK Helsinki, before they were eliminated by AS Roma. During his time in their youth team he also won the Enda McGuill Cup, which is Ireland's alternative to England's league cup.
Ogbene spent more time in Cork City's first-team in 2016 and he was part of the side that finished 2nd in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Cork finished seven points behind league winners Dundalk, but they would get their revenge in that year's FAI Cup Final. It was a tight final which Cork City eventually won 1-0 in extra-time. The league's top-scorer and current Preston North End forward Sean Maguire grabbed the winner for Cork to earn Chiedozie his first bit of silverware in professional football.
Chiedozie Ogbene was born May 1st, 1997 in Lagos, Nigeria. In 2005 aged eight, he moved to Ireland with his parents, two brothers and two sisters. His upbringing means that he is eligible to play internationally for Nigeria, where he could link up with former-Miller Semi Ajayi, and Republic of Ireland. With the way his career is going so far, it should not be too long before both nations begin to battle it out to acquire his services.
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