Nat Ogbeta on start to Bolton Wanderers loan from Swansea

Ogbeta joined on loan from Swansea for the second half of the season with the aim of getting regular playing time under his belt.

The versatile defender made the perfect start to his Bolton career, scoring minutes after coming off the bench at Carlisle.

“It was a dream start,” he said. “It was my first professional game since my injury on April 29 so to be able to come on and score, all the hard work and all the tough times I’ve had to go through and in just one moment, you don’t remember that.

“Just to get the opportunity to come on and see out the game, I was never expecting to score.

“It is probably the best goal I have scored in a while. In training, I try that nearly all the time but it doesn’t really come off.

“It was so special and I am so grateful to God just for the opportunity to be here. It is such a big club and such a great fan base, and the team are flying.”

Ogbeta was one of four new arrivals in the January window along with Calvin Ramsay, Aaron Collins and Caleb Taylor.

“I have had so many kind and warm messages, not just from the players but from the fans and I am so grateful,” he continued. “Even before the (Carlisle) game, they were already sending me those.

Ogbeta celebrates with the fans (Image: Camerasport)

“I try not to look into it too much, it is nice to see what the fans are saying but this is just the beginning.

“I can’t get too excited, there is so much work that needs to be done and I am just hoping we can create more special memories.”

The 22-year-old was part of the Peterborough squad that reached the play-off semi-final last term, and he is keen to be part of something special with Wanderers.

“Being part of something like that, for me, was amazing,” he reflected. “I have seen loads of players in the past getting promotions and I would love to get one on my CV.

“I would love to be part of something special. Obviously, I can’t guarantee what is going to happen in the future but all I know is that while I am here, I want to give my all for the fans, the club and the manager and hope that I will be part of something special while I am here.

“We have got a lot of tough games coming up but this is what you live for. If you can’t do it in the big moments, then there is no point.

“I believe in the team and the way we play, and I am really sure that we are going to go all the way.”

Ogbeta comes from a sporting family and his sister, Naomi, has represented Great Britain at prestigious events including the Commonwealth Games and World Athletics Championships.

“She is such an inspiration to me,” he said. “She is in a sport that is completely different from mine, I have got 10 other people around me.

“She is by herself and just the way she soaks up the pressure and deals with the expectation on her, for me, is so inspiring.

“It gives me so much confidence knowing I have got a team around me and the understanding of what it is like to be an individual in a big spot, performing in front of big crowds.

“It really helps that she is doing so well. She is in a league of her own in the UK and I just want to keep on advancing my craft and being the best footballer I can be.”