CHIEDOZIE OGBENE HAS been recalled to the Republic of Ireland squad for the start of the World Cup qualifying campaign next month.
But there is no place for captain Seamus Coleman who has been an unused substitute in Everton’s opening two Premier League games this season.
Ipswich Town winger Ogbene suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon last October and only returned to training ahead of the new campaign.
> SQUAD ANNOUNCED 🇮🇪23-man squad for opening FIFA World Cup 26 qualifying matches confirmed 💚Chiedozie Ogbene returns as Szmodics, Johnston & Azaz bolster attacking options alongside in-form Parrott & Ferguson 👌Exciting squad 🤩06/09 - 🇮🇪🆚🇭🇺09/09 - 🇦🇲🆚🇮🇪
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> 🎟️ -… [pic.twitter.com/qCIoP39WPe](https://t.co/qCIoP39WPe)
>
> — Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) [August 26, 2025](https://twitter.com/IrelandFootball/status/1960273358802616439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
International manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has named Ogbene in his 23-man squad for the games with Hungary and Armenia, along with goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, while Stoke City’s Bosun Lawal has also been included among the defenders.
Robbie Brady and Will Smallbone both miss out through injury.