Worst blow of career forced Ogbene to become best version of himself

Chiedozie Ogbene during a Republic of Ireland training session at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Chiedozie Ogbene always has something to say. Chiedozie Ogbene always has plenty to say. But what he said this week should have people saying things about him.

For 20 minutes in the lead-up to Ireland’s opening World Cup qualifier tomorrow, the Corkman outlined how events of the last year have altered his outlook.

Footballers rarely disclose clues to their personality. Anyone hovering around the Premier League, like Ogbene has, is subject to media training designed to emphasise keeping the head down, working hard and concentrating on the next game.

His backstory, the all-rounder from Douglas who became the first Africa-born player to represent Ireland, attracted interest which he willingly embraced.

If we felt this happy-go-lucky, smiley character was someone the public has gotten to know, this week’s oration was next level.

He was close to tears at one point, detailing how the Achilles rupture sustained last October brought with it initial guilt followed by inspiration.

Had the layoff not been as isolating, he’d have been unable to devote so much time to Ipswich Town’s disability programme.

He could empathise with the families, being the brother of a younger sister with Down Syndrome.

His relationship with Chibuzo was already strong. Now their phone conversations are daily.

From a footballing perspective too, time and reflection have fused to shift his focus.

Efficiency supersedes entertainment in his current mindset.

That explosive pace of his is to be cherished, yet preserved for productive dashes down the flank.

He left the Ireland camp temporarily on Monday to secure a loan move to Championship rivals Sheffield United but the objective of promotion back to the top-flight remains the same.

Along the way he’ll be shaped by his human experiences.

Becoming a parent with his partner, fellow Cork native Sandra Hanratty, was a life-changer while being named as Ipswich Town Community Champion in May was humbling recognition of changing lives.

“I’d only turn up for 30 minutes but parents would come up to say: ‘thanks very much, you changed their lives’”, explained the 28-year-old.

“Some of these kids have disabilities you can’t see but I was able to see and pick up on things, having grown up at home with my sister in Cork.

“One of these kids went to me and said ‘Cheio no matter what, you are still my favourite.’ That nearly made me cry.

“In my head, I am just a little kid coming to do my job but we mean a lot to them.

“It means I had to be the best version of myself because you don’t know what lives you are going to change.” 

Such was the enriching extent of his year that he feels a sense of fate about the cruellest injury of his career.

“It was a massive year of development for me on and off the pitch. And when I am on the pitch, who cares about a bad training session?,” he reasoned about the bigger picture.

“I was dialled into life. The first two weeks after the injury was difficult as I always want to know why things go wrong but there’s some things I can’t control.

“Firstly, you appreciate life for what it is. Watching football from the outside for nine months you get to understand the game better.

“When you’re immersed in that, it's 100 miles per hour.

“Maybe you don’t understand the stuff the manager says but, when watching from the sidelines, there’s a real educational purpose to it.

“I have a better bond with my partner and could be there for the pregnancy. That helped me heal.” 

His rapport with Chibuzo strengthened too.

“Sometimes I would have thought to call her later in the week but I phone her every day now,” he revealed.

“We fought together growing up. She had a tough life like we did and didn't get anything special.

“I was nearly too hard on her. She would say something to me and I would fight back. Typical family, fighting over the remote control.

“As she gets older, you appreciate what she is and what she does for me. She lives with my older sister and says she’s smiling all day.

“She tells me that I am the best footballer in the world. I’d laugh and tell her I am not.

“But, to her, I am her brother and that is what I am.” 

Chieo means a lot of things to a lot of people.