Didi Hamann singles out Chiedozie Ogbene as Ireland’s ‘shining light’

"Apart from Ogbene, there was no threat whatsoever."

Didi Hamann singled out Chiedozie Ogbene following the Republic of Ireland's 1-0 defeat to Armenia at the National Stadium in Yerevan on Saturday. The Champions League winner felt the 25-year-old was the only threat going forward for Stephen Kenny's side during their Nations League opener.

Didi Hamann weighs in on Chiedozie Ogbene's performance.

Hamann felt apart from Ogbene, Ireland's attacking players were not good enough in comparison. The Boys in Green remain winless in the Nations League since the competition began in 2018. The 48-year-old said substitutes Jason Knight and Will Keane "didn't do anything positive" as Ireland chased an equaliser. "Apart from Ogbene, there was no threat whatsoever. Robinson no, Parrott no, Hendrick was poor today," Hamann said on RTÉ after Ireland's defeat to Armenia. "The subs who came on, Knight, Keane, they didn’t do anything for the game, they didn’t do anything positive. "Ogbene has been a shining light."

Hamann reflects on Ireland's defeat.

Hamann was critical of Ireland's goalscoring efforts as they were the better side in the first half and should have capitalised by taking the lead. The former Liverpool midfielder thought Armenia looked like a good team when they scored their goal in the 74-minute to take all three points. "You have to score when you are on top, and in the first half, it was all Ireland. If you go in 1-0 up at half time then it’s a completely different game," Hamann added. "And then in the second half at times they were a bit too casual. They let Armenia back into the game because they gave two or three easy balls away. "They got their goal and all of a sudden, they looked like a good team." Ireland play Ukraine in the second game of their Nations League campaign on Wednesday, with a 7:45 pm kick-off at the Aviva Stadium. Related links:

• Stephen Kenny gives his verdict after Ireland's shock defeat to Armenia.
• Richard Dunne criticises Ireland performance in defeat to Armenia.
• Ireland v Armenia: Player ratings as Stephen Kenny's team lose 1-0 in Nations League game.

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