Longford’s Goodness Ogbonna in U-17 World Cup action for Republic of Ireland

Goodness Ogbonna pictured in action for the Republic of Ireland in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Group J match against Paraguay at Aspire Zone in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday Photo: Nikola Krstic/Sportsfile

placeholder image — Goodness Ogbonna pictured in action for the Republic of Ireland in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Group J match against Paraguay at Aspire Zone in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday Photo: Nikola Krstic/Sportsfile

Last 32 clash against Canada on Friday, kick-off 3.15pm (Irish time), Live on RTE

It all started with Melview FC in the Longford & District Schoolboy League and local lad Goodness Ogbonna is now a prominent player with the Republic of Ireland U-17 soccer squad who have reached the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup in Doha, Qatar.

Living in Clonbalt Woods in Longford, 17-year-old midfielder Goodness is currently with UCD after previously playing underage football with Shamrock Rovers and the former St Mel’s College student made a big impact when brought on in the 62nd minute of the 0-0 draw against Paraguay on Tuesday.

That result clinched the top spot in the group stage for the talented Irish team who now move on to meet Canada in the knockout phase of the U-17 World Cup this Friday with high hopes of making further progress. Kick-off 3.15pm (Irish time) with the big match live on RTE.

It is a great achievement for Longford’s Goodness who enjoyed some success when he played gaelic football with Slashers up until 15 years of age and who is now gracing the World stage for what appears to be a very bright future for the local sport star.