Chiedozie Ogbene’s first Premier League goal inspires Luton Town

CORK'S Chiedozie Ogbene was the hero for Luton Town against Nottingham Forest as his first Premier League goal drove the Hatters to come back and get a point at the City Ground.

It’s a crucial result for the Hatters as it means they are now 17th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone.

Luton were 2-0 down in the 82nd minute and a free-kick was broken down to Ogbene inside the area. The winger hit the back of the net with so much force that the Forest goalkeeper had no chance of getting to the ball, and that pulled one back for his side.

Elijah Adebayo got the equaliser in the second minute of injury time and Luton hung on to get a point at the City Ground.

Ogbene’s goal is a long time coming as he has been a fixture in the team since moving to Kenilworth Road from Rotherham United.

The winger is a fan-favourite, and that sentiment was recently expressed by Luton manager Rob Edwards.

The coach was speaking to Luton Today when he made his thoughts known about the Republic of Ireland international.

"Chieo, what a guy. It's a great bit of business, that’s why we wanted him,” he said.

"He’s flexible, you saw the position he ended up in in the end in the (Everton) game. We were able to put him deeper when we’re weathering some pressure but then we trust him as one of our most threatening players in the front line to then put him in at left wingback and helps us see the game out as well.

"Again, another selfless player who does whatever we ask him to for the team. His performances have been great, so a really, really good bit of business again by the recruitment team." 

Ogbene’s first Premier League goal comes seven years after he helped Cork City’s U19s become the first-ever Irish team to win a game in the UEFA Youth League.

That was back in 2016, and the winger was in a squad that beat HJK Helsinki 1-0 at Turner’s Cross.

That was followed by a memorable tie with AS Roma, and Ogbene went on to feature for Cork City during their 1-0 victory over Dundalk in the FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium.

A lot has happened since then – with the Grange native going on to become a senior Republic of Ireland international and he won promotion to the EFL Championship with Rotherham United during the 2021-22 season.

It’s a long way from his days in the Cork Schoolboys League and Youth Leagues, a time that saw him line out for Tramore Athletic, Kilreen Celtic, Everton, and College Corinthians.