CHIEDOZIE IS ON CLOUD 90 WITH A GOAL

HE may have been born in Nigeria – but Chiedozie Ogbene feels as Irish as they come.

The Liverpool fan, who grew up in Cork, sealed a special win for the Republic of Ireland in the 90th minute with his first senior international goal in the World Cup qualifier in Baku.

Rotherham winger Ogbene, 24, came off the bench and was warmly congratulated by teammates (above) after underlining boss Stephen Kenny’s first competitive victory at the 13th time of asking.

Azerbaijan was just Ogbene’s second cap and he said: “When I scored it was overwhelming, I’ve made a lot of sacrifices, my family and my friends.

“I owe it to the gaffer for believing in me because the squad we have, anybody could have come on at any moment.

“And for him to believe in me and bring me on, it was a special night for me and my family, and the team and the nation.

“I believe in myself, I believe in my abilities and I guess that I haven’t come here by luck.

“The manager has watched me for many months and years and he obviously believes that my qualities are valuable to the team.

“When I was on the pitch, obviously it’s a lot different from club football. This is the highest level of football and it’s has always been a dream of mine.”

The result and performance eased the pressure on Kenny, who had won just one of his first 16 games – a friendly against Andorra – and seen Ireland’s qualification hopes dashed.

Ogbene added: “Obviously the mood is high in the dressing room, 3-0 away from home is a great result for us, for the manager and the nation.

“All of us have made a lot of sacrifice and we have taken a lot of criticism on the way here.”

West Brom striker Callum Robinson was the star of the show with two first-half goals.

Ireland entertain World Cup hosts Qatar in a friendly in Dublin tomorrow night.