Chiedozie Ogbene is a certified baller.
Anybody that has watched his performances for Ireland over the last six months or so could only have been impressed with what they have seen from the 24-year old. He has pace to burn, while also having no issue producing the end product to back that up when required.
He was in stellar form for Stephen Kenny's side once again this month, getting a goal and an assist against Belgium and being a tad unfortunate to have two goals ruled out for offside against Lithuania.
When watching Ogbene in a green jersey, the first question many ask is how does he find himself at a League One club? His talent certainly justifies a place well above that level.
The truth of the matter is that while the Cork man has been excellent for Rotherham United, he hasn't been quite as productive in front of goal as we have become accustomed to seeing at international level.
That all changed this afternoon.
With Rotherham taking on Sutton United in the EFL Trophy final at Wembley Stadium, it would be Ogbene that would have a decisive say in the match.
His team found themselves trailing deep into injury time, only for Ogbene to help them get to extra-time with his assist for Jordi Osei-Tutu's equaliser.
𝟵𝟬+𝟲 - 𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗛𝗔𝗠 𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗘! 🤯🤯
Chaos at Wembley as Rotherham level things in the 96th minute through Jordi Osei-Tutu!! 🚨
📺 The Papa John’s Trophy final is 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 from Wembley on Sky pic.twitter.com/H6A4fNXx4N— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 3, 2022
He was only getting started.
After a tense start to the afters, Ogbene would pop up with an absolutely stunning long-range strike to give his team the lead.
SCREAMER FROM OGBENE!! 💥
Rotherham take the lead in extra-time! 🔴🔴
📺 The Papa John’s Trophy final is 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 from Wembley on Sky Football! pic.twitter.com/Wk04Njv0Jn— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 3, 2022
Absolutely remarkable.
This would turn out to be the winning goal in the game, with Rotherham coming away as 4-2 victors after another goal late on.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Ogbene said he was thrilled with the character shown by his team to pull out the result.
It extremely hard for us. Credit to Sutton United, they showed character today. They fought and did everything possible, but this is football. Sometimes it's unfortunate that somebody has to win...
To get the late equaliser, it changed the game. I know they felt it as well when the crowd goes at 2-2, it was the crucial moment in the game. I'm just so happy that we didn't give up today...
We all had tired legs. It sat well for and they just stepped off, so I had to take the shot. I was fortunate that it went in.
This is the first time that they have won the EFL Trophy since the 1995/96 season. Ireland U21 striker Joshua Kayode also started the game.
Such moment of magic are only likely to strengthen the interest in Ogbene this summer, although for now he will be concentrating on his duties with his current club. They will be hoping to add to this honour by winning promotion to the Championship in the months ahead, currently sitting top of League One.
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