Chieo, which is Ogbene’s nickname, has earned 15 caps for the Boys in Green and has been playing for Rotherham United for the last four seasons.
“I’m delighted to be here”, said Ogbene. “It’s funny that you say a Premier League player because my journey and where I’ve been in the last five-and-a-half years, from Limerick FC and the League of Ireland to Luton Town FC in the Premier League. My former coach said it would be one in 200,000, I guess I’m that one.
“My journey is special to me, I come from Rotherham United who I spent four seasons with and where I achieved some great things with some great people, but to be considered to be a Luton Town player with an opportunity to feature in the Premier League was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.
“It was difficult at first moving to Rotherham because I hadn’t played many games at Brentford, so I needed someone who believed in me and take that leap of faith. Paul Warne and his coaching staff did that for me, and they helped me develop my game massively.
“I had to learn a lot of things as a forward player, when I was growing up I would just take people on, but now I had to calculate when to take people on because with my pace and power, people were doubling-up on me so I had to calculate and make better decisions on the pitch. They really developed me and a lot of things have happened since then, including making my debut for Ireland.”
Speaking to the club’s YouTube channel, Ogbene set out the ambitions for the Hatters in the Premier League next season and how Rob Edwards convinced Chieo to make the move to Kenilworth Road.
“First and foremost, I think our first ambition next season will be to stay in the Premier League, we want to be competitive as well and I believe this group of players will be competitive, we have a group of players that are willing to work hard, and with a high work ethic anything is possible. What helped me come to this club was the manager, he rang me and showed great interest in me.
“He didn’t beat around the bush, he just told me his plans and ideas in terms of how to survive and be competitive in this league and he really believed in it, I really liked the ideas, and it was very to the point and direct. With this group of players and what Rob wants to do, I think we’ll be efficient in this league.
“I’m very excited, I’m excited just to be here first and foremost. To feature in the Premier League is everyone’s dream and I’m really happy for the opportunity.”
