Chiedozie Ogbene reflects on how a serious Achilles injury changed his perspective on football and life, making him ‘wiser’ and more grateful. He claims that he would rupture his Achilles again just to acquire the knowledge and wisdom he has now. He’s ready to contribute significantly to the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifying campaign, targeting maximum points from their upcoming matches against Hungary and Armenia.
Republic of Ireland winger Chiedozie Ogbene has revealed how a nine-month spell on the sidelines with a ruptured Achilles tendon transformed his outlook on life and football. Ogbene, now 28, suffered the injury while playing for Ipswich Town in a thrilling 4-3 Premier League defeat against Brentford last October. The setback forced him to miss the remainder of the season, a campaign that ultimately saw the Tractor Boys relegated. However, Ogbene insists the time away from the pitch proved invaluable for his personal and professional development.
Speaking ahead of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Hungary, Ogbene stated emphatically, "Knowing what I know now, if I go back nine months I would rupture my Achilles again. I am a lot wiser now, there was a lot of knowledge I acquired being injured."
Ogbene elaborated on the profound impact of the injury, explaining, "I'm a different person, I don't fear many things now and I'm a lot more grateful." This newfound perspective has seemingly reinvigorated the Irish international as he prepares to help his nation navigate the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Image source, InphoOgbene's last appearance for the Republic of Ireland came in October 2024
Since his return to full fitness, Ogbene has joined Sheffield United, and he credits his time away from the game with allowing him to focus intently on his physical and tactical development. "I spent a lot of hours getting to know my body and watching clips to help me return physically and tactically sharper for pre-season this summer," he revealed.
The enforced absence also provided Ogbene with a unique opportunity to observe the game from a different angle. "Watching a lot of football for nine months, you learn a lot more. When you're immersed in it, it is 100 miles an hour, and the stuff the manager says you don't really understand, but when you're out of it and watching from the side, it's a really good education," Ogbene explained.
Ogbene sought guidance from fellow professionals who had experienced similar setbacks. "I spoke to John Egan and Gavin Bazunu, who had previous Achilles [injuries]. I spoke to them about their journeys, so I made sure I put those things in my rehab early, and I had a very smooth and successful rehab," he said.
That thorough preparation clearly paid dividends. "I'm so glad it has paid off. I had a wonderful pre-season, and my body has felt as fit and strong as it has ever been, so I am excited," Ogbene added, his voice brimming with anticipation for the challenges ahead.
Looking ahead to the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Ogbene is determined to make a significant contribution to the Republic of Ireland's campaign. "I hope everyone goes in with the mentality that we want to get six points. That's how the manager sees it, and that's how I see it. I want us to get six, minimum four, but I don't want to sit here and say I want four points," Ogbene asserted.
He expressed confidence in his team's ability to secure maximum points from their opening two fixtures. "I think we can beat Hungary if we do the right things, and we can beat Armenia. The way the guys are training, we want six points. I'm very happy with what I saw [in training], and I have a really good feeling about this camp," Ogbene concluded, radiating optimism and determination.
As Ogbene embarks on this new chapter in his career, armed with a fresh perspective and renewed appreciation for the game, he is poised to become an even more influential figure for both club and country.