Chiedoze Ogbene Looks Ahead to City's Helsinki Tie

Cork City’s U19s head into unchartered waters this week as they welcome one of Finland’s biggest football clubs, HJK Helsinki, to Turner’s Cross for the second leg of their UEFA Youth League first round tie.

Stephen Bermingham’s charges secured a hugely significant 0-0 draw away to the Finns late last month and will be looking to go one better this time out as both clubs battle to most likely face their counterparts in AS Roma in the next round of the competition.

Also known as the U19s Champions League, the UEFA Youth League has been won by Chelsea FC on the last two occasions; and Cork City U19s were included in the Domestic Path draw as reigning League of Ireland U 19 champions following completion of the qualifying rounds of the senior competition back in August.

It is the first time a League of Ireland club has competed in Europe at underage level, marking another milestone in the development of U19 National League.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s match, City winger Chiedozie Ogbene – who recently scored his first league goal for the club’s senior side in the SSE Airtricity League – revealed that the entire squad is looking forward to the challenge that Wednesday night’s fixture will bring.

“Everyone has been working really hard in recent weeks. We all have the same aim and that’s trying to win games. We all help each other out, that’s why we’ve been doing so well for the past year – we encourage each other, we train as a team and there’s a great atmosphere in the dressing room. “

Chiedozie values the opportunity and incentive of the European adventure.  “This team, we’re just like a family. We’re looking forward to the game on Wednesday obviously, knowing that we’re the first team in Ireland to get into (the UEFA Youth League). It means we’re representing the whole country. That’s a great experience for any young person and not a chance that many people get. We’ve been training hard and I believe that we’re ready to go.”

Expectations within the squad were upbeat heading into the first leg of the tie in Finland. Despite being relative unknowns in the competition, Bermingham’s outfit acquitted themselves well and had a number of openings to grab a vital away goal and, possibly, even an away win. As a result, everything points to another top quality contest this week.

Ogbene says, “HJK are a great team. They’re tidy on the ball. They like to keep possession and play nice football but I think when we pressed high, they panicked a small bit.”

He continues, “It seemed like they underestimated us for the match in Helsinki and most teams would to be fair as it was our first time in the competition so they don’t know who we were. But we played well over there and we all worked really hard. That’s why we were delighted to come out with the 0-0 draw. It wasn’t easy but we did it and now we’re looking forward to Wednesday.”

Ogbene’s involvement in John Caulfield’s senior playing group – alongside this excursion into Europe – means it’s an exciting time for the 19-year-old. He made his senior club debut last season against Bohemians at Dalymount Park and scored in the FAI Cup earlier this season before netting again recently against Galway United. For his part, he’s just enjoying every moment.

Chiedozie has also starred at gaelic football for Nemo Rangers.  But he’s focusing on soccer for the moment.  “It’s all rainbows and sunshine for me at the moment but it comes down to hard work, what you do in training and the effort you put in. It’s always great when you suddenly get your chance and take it, and thanks for John (Caulfield) for the opportunity.”

Honoured with the Cork City Youth Sports Star award in September, Ogbene is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.  “You give up so much of your time between training and matches that you miss a lot of time for other things. But this is football - whatever you put in, you get out - so I’m really happy with how things have gone the last couple of months.”

Tickets for Wednesday evening’s game are priced at €5 for Adults and €1 for U16s and are available from Ticketmaster.ie. Tickets will also be on sale outside the ground on the night. Kick Off is 7pm.