Flying winger Chiedozie Ogbene made history on the international stage for Ireland on Tuesday night with his appearance as a substitute against Hungary which saw him become the first African-born player to represent their senior side.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, the Millers attacker lived in Cork from the age of eight-years-old and made his way in football in Ireland with Cork City and Limerick before being picked up by Brentford on English shores.
Ogbene received the fantastic news of his first call-up earlier in the summer and has since enjoyed the experience of being a part of Ireland’s training camp, but until last night had yet to taste any match action for the Boys in Green.
With 89 minutes on the clock and the game finely-poised at 0-0, that all changed as Ireland boss Stephen Kenny sent on Ogbene, who very nearly made even more history with his first touch.
In a fashion typical of the Millers attacker, he was keen to make his mark on the game and came so close to a last gasp winner for the Emerald Isle as he drove an effort into the side netting from inside the penalty area.
Everyone at Rotherham United would like to congratulate Chieo on his first cap for his country.
We are planning on speaking with him later on this afternoon and will make the full interview available on www.themillers.co.uk.
One for the history books đđ˝
— Chiedozie Ogbene (@EdozieOgbene) June 8, 2021
A Great honor to make my international debut with @FAIreland. A Proud moment for myself, my family and my friends. Huge Credit to the whole team for showing our solidarity and togetherness throughout âď¸ https://t.co/EexnSQgLTB