Share
22nd March 2024
03:33pm GMT
Chiedozie Ogbene is currently the protagonist in what could be one of the great underdog stories in football, but a big decision is looming, and it could be decisive in determining whether this tale ends in glory, or if it will be an anti-climax comparable to the Game of Thrones season finale.
Ogbene was born in Nigeria, but in 2005 his family moved to Ireland where the future Irish international fell in love with sports, whether it was playing Gaelic for Nemo Rangers, or competing in everything going at school, but above all else, football was where his heart was.
In 2015 the lightening-quick striker joined Cork City, before moving to Limerick, and then eventually getting his big break in England in 2018 when Brentford came calling.
However, it wasn't a case of job done, as the flying forward went on loan to Exter City to gather some much needed experience at senior level, and eventually Rotherham United gave him the opportunity to do that on a permanent basis.
After helping them gain promotion from League One and quickly finding his feet in the pro game, it became apparent that the ceiling was much higher for the young prospect than many previously suspected, and it wasn't long before Stephen Kenny called him up to the Ireland squad.
Despite being a fully fledged international, with valuable experience of playing in League One and the Championship, it was still considered a risk by Luton when they decided to sign him after securing promotion to the Premier League.
As we all soon found out, Luton are a risk-taking club, and although it has bit them sometimes, it has paid dividends more than often, and the securing the transfer of Ireland's brightest new talent was a gamble that definitely paid off.
Despite battling it out in relegation, the club are brave in the way the play football, their never-say-die attitude is heart warming to watch, and they leave absolutely everything out there, making them a neutrals favourite in the PL.
Ogbene almost embodies this spirit, and his courage is clear to see as he attacks superstars head on in a weekly basis, whether it's Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, or Kieron Trippier - the name on the back of the shirt means nothing to the Irishman, as he backs himself against them all.
Work-rate is a key attribute that fans appreciate more than anything, and in a game full of millionaires, playboys and prima donnas, it isn't a quality consistently portrayed on a weekly basis, but is one that Ogbene delivers every single time he pulls on the jersey.
Such was the impact that the 26 year old had in his debut season in the top flight, Jamie Carragher did a whole segment on him on Monday Night Football, comparing him to the legendary Arsenal hero Thierry Henry.
Such praise and respect is not easy to come by, but it has been well earned, even if it was not expected - but now a huge decision is looming that could change everything, for better or worse.
Despite their heroics, Luton Town may well be doomed to relegation, and the Ireland international will be sought after by Premier League suitors, so will Ogbene stay or go, and if he does leave, then where too?
There are some massive clubs in need of more firepower up front as the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and even Chelsea are lacking in this area, and could see the speedster as a viable option.
A move to a bigger club doesn't always mean success will follow, as it has killed as many careers as it has propelled, however, given how Ogbene has responded to every challenge put in front of him so far, you wouldn't put your money on him failing.
With his status as a top flight attacker established, his role in the international team is elevated in importance as well, especially as they enter a new era following Kenny's departure, and John O'Shea's appointment as interim manager.
Every time Ogbene has reached a new level, he has raised his game accordingly, so hopefully Ireland will give him the chance to compete in international tournaments, play against the best countries in the world, and see just how high this ceiling really is.
Related links:
Explore more on these topics:
