Chiedozie Ogbene Prepares for Crucial World Cup Qualifier Against Hungary

Chiedozie Ogbene emerged as a standout player in the Republic of Ireland’s impressive 2-0 victory over Portugal on Thursday.

As the team prepares for their final World Cup qualifying match against Hungary in Budapest on Sunday at 14:00 GMT, Ogbene acknowledges the significance of the game, declaring it to be ‘all or nothing.’ The Republic of Ireland currently occupies third place in Group F, trailing Hungary by one point and Portugal by three, with Portugal scheduled to face Armenia at the same time on Sunday.

Ogbene stressed that anything short of a win would dash the Republic of Ireland’s hopes for qualification. He urged his teammates to set aside the triumph over Portugal and concentrate on the formidable challenge ahead.

“This result hasn’t defined us yet,” the 28-year-old told BBC Sport NI. “We have to go to Hungary with a level head and we must win. It’s all or nothing, really. We can’t go there and try to get a draw as it won’t do us any good, so we need to win this game.”

He continued, acknowledging the challenges they will face: “We know it’s going to be difficult, and they will be aware that we have to win, so they will be doing everything in their power to frustrate us. We just have to take this momentum and this feel-good factor into Sunday.”

While Troy Parrott’s two goals propelled the Republic of Ireland to victory, a pivotal moment in the match was Cristiano Ronaldo’s red card in the second half for elbowing Dara O’Shea. Ogbene reflected on Ronaldo’s outburst, attributing it to the frustrations of being unable to penetrate the home defense.

“Frustration can kick in and happen to the best of us,” Ogbene remarked. “Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world, if not the best, and it happened to him, but that’s credit to the boys and how they defended.”