Chiedozie Ogbene thanked manager Stephen Kenny for believing in him after he scored his first international goal in Republic of Ireland's 3-0 win over Azerbaijan.
The Nigerian-born Cork man came on with just under an hour played in Baku, and slotted the third goal of the night for the visitors on the stroke of 90 minutes.
While the night belonged to Callum Robinson, who scored a brace off the back of a turbulent week for him in the media, Ogbene was not going to let the special moment pass for him, as he headed his goal in expertly to confirm the victory.
🗣️ "I owe it to the manager for believing in me and putting me on the pitch"@EdozieOgbene speaks after scoring his first Ireland goal, what a moment for the Corkman! 👏🇮🇪#COYBIG | #WeAreOne | #AZEIRLpic.twitter.com/skFiXb74km
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) October 9, 2021
Speaking to RTE after the match, Ogbene was ecstatic at scoring his first ever international goal in what was Stephen Kenny's first competitive victory.
"Unbelievable!" Ogbene said. "We have worked really all week to be where we are today, and made a lot of sacrifices, and I owe it to the manager for believing in me and putting me on the pitch.
"It is such a great feeling. For the travelling fans and the people at home, and especially my family."
Stephen Kenny has been under pressure as Ireland manager, as he had not yet won a competitive match at the helm of the national side.
However, with the 3-0 victory, Ogbene believes that his side has silenced some of the doubters for now.
"I think we did it with style as well, 3-0 away from home is a professional result," Ogbene said. "You can see how much it means to us to come here, keep a clean sheet and get the result."
Ogbene could hardly hold back his excitement following the momentous achievement for both him and his manager.
"It is all worth it, and I would do it again honestly," Ogbene said. "There is so much joy going through my body right now, for myself, my family and all my friends that I grew up with.
"And obviously for the nation, for the country. We have had a rough patch, and to come here and get 3-0 is overwhelming!"
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