Chiedozie Ogbene declares for Republic of Ireland

The FAI has confirmed they have begun paperwork on the eligibility process for Chiedozie Ogbene to represent the Republic of Ireland.

The Nigeria-born 23-year-old moved to Cork aged seven with his family in 2005. He played with Cork City’s senior side for two years, featuring in the Rebel Army’s FAI Cup triumph in 2016, before switching to Limerick.

After moving to England, he played with Brentford and Exeter before settling with Rotherham last year. He impressed throughout the truncated League One season, helping the Millers achieve promotion to the Championship.

Pacy winger Ogbene finished the season with 29 appearances and one goal for the side. He drew praise throughout the season for his showings, including a goal and two assists in Rotherham’s 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers.

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The news comes as Stephen Kenny prepares for his first game in charge of the Boys in Green. Ireland face Bulgaria and Finland in September in the UEFA Nations League, before the crucial Euro 2020 play-off against Slovakia in October.