{
  "id": 9636744,
  "title": "'Don't put pressure on us' over Israel games - Republic of Ireland's Ogbene",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/dont-put-pressure-on-us-over-israel-games-republic-of-irelands-ogbene",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T22:03:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Sport",
    "slug": "bbc-sport",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c61kx1lyxz91o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Republic of Ireland winger Chiedozie Ogbene has asked the public not to pressure them regarding the boycott of the upcoming Nations League games against Israel. The match is scheduled for Sunday in Debrecen, Hungary, followed by a return fixture in Backa Topola, Serbia on 4 October. Since the teams were placed in Group B3, there has been growing pressure in Ireland to withdraw from the games due to the ongoing situation in Gaza, leading to a \"Stop The Game\" campaign. Stand-in captain Dara O Shea confirmed that the players would meet on Friday to discuss their approach to the Sunday game, which will have no Irish fans in attendance before a behind-closed-doors match the following week. Ogbene acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation but urged the public not to place undue pressure on the team to solve complex issues. He emphasized that the decision lies with those in power and that the players must focus on their responsibilities. Ogbene also stated that the team's performance in the recent loss to Kosovo was not satisfactory and that he needs to improve.",
  "summary": "Republic of Ireland winger Chiedozie Ogbene urges the public to not \"put the pressure on us\" over the campaign to boycott the upcoming Nations League games against Israel.",
  "key_points": [
    "Match against Israel scheduled for Sunday in Debrecen, Hungary, with return fixture on 4 October.",
    "Ogbene urges public not to place undue pressure on team to solve complex issues."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RTE News",
        "title": "Ireland succumb to late loss in Pristina pressure cooker",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/ireland-succumb-to-late-loss-in-pristina-pressure-cooker",
        "published": "2026-09-24T20:55:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}