Chiedozie Ogbene on importance of diversity in football and life - 'We need to listen to each other's stories'

Luton Town player Chiedozie Ogbene discussed racism and discrimination, and the importance of inclusion on a visit to a local primary school as part of the Premier League’s No Room For Racism campaign.

Ogbene was born in Nigeria in 1997, and moved to Ireland in 2005. He represented Cork City and Limerick in the League of Ireland before sealing a switch to Brentford in 2018.

Spells at Exeter City and Rotherham United followed before a move to Premier League club Luton in July 2023.

And as part of the Premier League’s No Room For Racism campaign, Ogbene visited a local school to discuss the topic of racism and discrimination in both sport and society.

“We are here to listen to young people and to get their perspective on the topic of racism and discrimination,” he said.

"I am also here to share my ideas and personal experiences, and raise awareness on the impact that racism and discrimination has in our society.

"We know that diversity teaches us and promotes tolerance and understanding between different cultures. We know inclusion helps eliminate depression and anxiety in young people.

“I cherish programmes like this, and it's very important we get involved to teach younger people the impact racism and discrimination has in our society. I try to live a good-mannered and disciplined life, so when the younger generation see me and my career, they can be inspired.

"And hopefully I can encourage them to chase their dream.

"Most of the younger generation will have doubts about themselves and whatever doubts that they have, when they look at my story and my journey, they will start to believe it is possible for them."

As part of the visit, Ogbene detailed his own experiences with exclusion and isolation.

“The challenges I faced were exclusion and isolation, but to change that, I had to leave myself open to learn other cultures,” he explained.

“When I let myself open up to learn about other cultures, my perspective changed and [I] was able to make more friends and have a good bond with my community."

The 26-year-old also praised the openness of his club, Luton.

"At Luton Town, we have a changing room that is open-minded and people are willing to adapt quickly. We take the time to learn each others' ways. We are not just team-mates, we are friends outside of football and that creates a better bond for the team.

"You have to be open-minded in a diverse team to learn other people's cultures, to understand each other, and listen to each others' stories. By doing that, you create a better bond in the team.”

Ogbene has made 17 appearances for the Republic of Ireland, with his debut coming in 2021, and he says he hopes to be "one of the examples for the kids to look up to".

“Getting an opportunity to play international football was a great achievement for me," he said.

"I think international football is the summit where every kid dreams to play.

“Being the first African-born player to play for Ireland made me proud of my younger self and all the sacrifices and effort to get into that stage.

“I hope I can be one of the examples for the kids to look up to, and believe that there's a better future when they see someone like me as an African-born player.

“I can give them hope that a better future is to come.”

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