EPL: Nigerian-born footballer Chiedozie Ogbene joins Luton Town

Nigerian-born Republic of Ireland player, Chiedozie Ogbene has become the first new signing for Premier League newcomers Luton Town.

26-year-old Chiedozie Ogbene will join Luton Town on July 1 when his current contract with Rotherham United ends. He scored eight goals in 39 games as Rotherham finished 19th in the Championship last season.

Speaking to Luton Town FC website, he said;

“I’m delighted to be here as a Premier League player, because of my journey and where I’ve been in the last five and a half years.

“My former coach said one in 200,000 [would make it to the top] – I guess I’m that one!

“My journey is special to me. I come from Rotherham United where I achieved some great things with some great people. But to be considered a Luton Town player with an opportunity to feature in the Premier League was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”

Commenting on the new signing, Luton manager Rob Edwards said;

“Chio is a really exciting addition and is someone we’ve liked for a while.

“We got to look at him a lot last season in preparing to play against him and his Rotherham team, and in my opinion he was their best and most threatening player.

“He’s still at a good age where he’s willing to learn and he’s a fantastic human being, we had a brilliant chat and I just loved his personality.”

Ogbene became the first player born in Africa to represent Ireland when he made his debut in June 2021 and has gone on to score four goals in 15 international games.

He began his professional career at Cork City and played for Limerick before joining Brentford in 2017. After a spell on loan at Exeter City, he joined Rotherham in 2019 where he made 136 appearances in four seasons, scoring 14 goals.