WORLD CUP QUALIFIER IN AZERBAIJAN
there were a lot of complications with the registration and how I came into the country.
“To carry that burden of being the first African-born player is very special and I can see how proud it has made my family and you see the people of Cork and those I work with, it’s priceless.”
It was no surprise that the first call he made in the minutes after his debut was to his mam Christina.
“My mum rings me every game I play. The first thing she says is ‘How are you feeling, I hope you are healthy’. That’s what she worries about.
“So my mum rang me and then I have two brothers and two sisters — so we all did a Zoom call, or a Facebook call.
“She was very teary. I could tell by the emotion in her voice. My parents take pride when their kids do well. Where we come from in Cork, a lot of people notice her and they ask about her, so she feels famous!
“I can see how happy it makes her and she answers questions — so she feels very important and she always dreamed of me helping her and being recognized and I hope I’m doing my best.
Support
“Obviously, I rang my dad last because he’s obviously the father figure, he’s always happy to be last. I have great support from my family and I love my friends from Cork. My phone was just going off, but my mum was the first person I contacted.”
I reland’s players and management displayed the courage of their convictions when taking the knee in Budapest despite the vitriolic response by many of the 18,000 attendance. Ogbene greatly appreciated his colleagues’ stance, linking it to how he and his family have enjoyed life on Leeside.
“Maybe that’s why my family chose to come here. The support here is amazing.
“I did mention to Seamus Coleman, as the captain of the team, he was pushing for us to take the lead.
“I know how difficult it can be for people of different race and different background to speak out so he made it easier for us by him speaking out.
“I know how hard it is for those younger players that it might affect.
“That’s what we have here, that’s the culture we have, the togetherness in this nation and that’s why I’m so proud to be here.”
Pushing for a starting spot in Baku on Saturday, the right winger — who can operate up front — feels that Kenny sees something very positive in him.
Players
“I’m guessing that he sees something special in me. I have always said that the competition and the players he can choose from are top class.
“So to s elect me and leave players out, is something I take pride and joy from.
“I just hope that I can repay that with my display. I’m trying to do my best for the nation and try to help the team to win points and have a good camp.”