Chiedozie Ogbene

Chiedozie Somkelechukwu Ogbene (born 1 May 1997) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a winger for club Lincoln City on loan from club Ipswich Town, and the Republic of Ireland national team.

Ogbene began his career in Ireland with Cork City and Limerick, before transferring to Brentford in 2018. After a loan spell with Exeter City he moved to Rotherham United in 2019, and then to Luton Town in 2023. After one season with Luton, he signed for Ipswich Town. In 2021, he became the first ever African-born player to represent the Republic of Ireland at senior level.

Early and personal life Born in Lagos, Nigeria, after his father got a job in the country, rejecting an offer of a job in Florida in the process. He grew up in the Grange area of Cork. He quit Gaelic football to pursue his dream of playing Premier League football.

He signed for Cork City in August 2015. He was nominated three times for the League of Ireland Player of the Month award.

In November 2017 he was linked with a transfer to English club Aston Villa.

On 30 January 2018, Ogbene signed for English club Brentford on a three-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee. He made his league debut on 10 April 2018, making one further appearance that season.

On 29 August 2019, Ogbene joined League One club Rotherham United for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-year contract. In 2019–20, he played a central role in Rotherham's promotion-winning season, being described by manager Paul Warne as "unplayable" after he helped Rotherham beat Bristol Rovers by 3–0. He was injured between October 2020 and April 2021.

On 3 April 2022 he scored a goal as Rotherham won the EFL Trophy in a 4–2 victory over Sutton United.

On 27 June 2023, it was announced that Ogbene would join newly promoted Premier League side Luton Town on 1 July 2023 when his contract with Rotherham United came to an end.

In August 2024 he was linked with a transfer to newly-promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town. He signed for the club later that month, on a four-year contract for an £8 million transfer fee. On 26 October 2024, Ogbene tore his Achilles in a 4–3 defeat away to his old club Brentford, ruling him out for the rest of the season. He later said that the nine months he spent out injured had made him wiser.

On 1 September 2025 he signed on loan for Sheffield United. He scored his first goal for the club in a 3-1 home victory against Oxford United.

On 1 September 2026, he signed for Championship club Lincoln City on loan until January.

International career

He was eligible to represent both Republic of Ireland and Nigeria at international level. He said he hoped to be a role model for other Irish players from a similar background. He made his debut on 8 June 2021 against Hungary, becoming the first African-born player to represent the Republic of Ireland. The Irish players had been booed by Hungarian fans prior to kick-off for taking the knee in a symbolic gesture against racism in the sport, which Ogbene asked UEFA to investigate.

Ogbene scored his first international goal on 9 October 2021 in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan with a 90th minute header in a 3–0 win at Baku Olympic Stadium.

He was named 2023 FAI Senior International Player of the Year for his performances for the international side.

Career statistics Club

Honours Club Cork City FAI Cup: 2016

Rotherham United EFL Trophy: 2021–22

Individual FAI Senior International Player of the Year: 2023