Exeter City FC

Winger Chiedozie Ogbene says he feels overwhelmed to back in an Exeter City shirt having missed the last six weeks through injury.

The Brentford loanee played his part in City’s 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers in the Checkatrade.com Trophy on Tuesday night, setting up the opening goal for Jonathan Forte. However, that was his first minutes for City since October 2 when a ligament injury put an end to what was a positive spell for Nigerian born player in red and white. 

“It was very frustrating to pick up the injury,” reflected Chiedozie. “It was on a night where I wanted to impress as I was pushing to get into the starting XI. So, it was frustrating to pick up an injury like that but it is part of football. You just have to deal with it. It was a minor setback and I feel stronger and fitter now.” 

So how does he feel to be back playing? 

“I feel great,” he said. “It is never easy when you are injured, but to come back and go straight into the squad and get an assist like I did the other night is overwhelming, because it has been tough the past few weeks doing rehab and I am glad to be back.” 

“When I landed, going for the header, I had a partial tear of my ligament in my right foot,” explained Chiedozie. “They thought it was worse but the swelling recovered quicker than they expected, so after two weeks I was in doing rehab and it looked promising. I did all the recovery at Brentford so that is why when I got back I have been straight back into the squad.” 

It is Northampton Town up for City this Saturday. The Cobblers are on a good run of form since appointing Keith Curle as manager and Chiedozie is expecting a difficult match. 

“Matty (Taylor) has said they are an impressive team, so I am expecting a tough match,” he said. “We are back in good form now though so we just have to see, but I think the boys are ready. Everyone looked sharp in training and hopefully we can go again on Saturday and deliver.”