Joe Omigie

Early years

Born in Shepherd's Bush, London, Omigie played in the same West London schools' side as Eddie Newton, Frank Sinclair and Udo Onwere. He began his senior career in non-league football with Hounslow, before dropping into Sunday league to play for Sportsmans Senior Sunday Football League sides Abbey News and Hawker Athletic. While playing Sunday league, Omigie, Charlie Oatway and Alan Mills were invited for trials with Division Two side Cardiff City, but Oatway was the only one of the trio to win a contract. Omigie joined Division One club Watford on trial and played in the club's 1994 Herts Senior Cup final win, but failed to earn a deal, having given what he described as "a performance to forget". He moved on to join non-league club Donna.

Brentford

Omigie got his chance at league football when he signed for Division Two side Brentford in August 1994 on a three-month contract. He failed to make a first team appearance during the 1994–95 season, but despite niggling injuries, he impressed enough in the reserves to be offered a new two-year contract. Omigie had to wait until 22 November 1995 to receive his first call into the first team squad, for an FA Cup first round replay against Conference side Farnborough Town. He remained on the bench during the 4–0 victory. Omigie finally made his professional debut in a league match versus Brighton & Hove Albion on Boxing Day 1995, coming on as a substitute for Dean Martin. With the struggling Bees finally looking safe in mid-table late in the 1995–96 season, Omigie made his first senior start for the club in a 0–0 draw versus Swansea City on 23 March 1996, playing the full 90 minutes. He made a total of 11 appearances without scoring during the 1995–96 season.

Omigie had to wait until 2 November 1996 to make his first appearance of the 1996–97 season for the table-topping Bees, replacing Carl Asaba after 62 minutes of a 2–0 defeat to Watford. He scored his first goal for the club in a resounding 4–1 away victory over Plymouth Argyle. Omigie made semi-regular appearances through to the end of the season, but failed to appear in the Bees' unsuccessful playoff campaign. He finished the 1996–97 season having made 15 appearances and scored one goal.

Omigie was transfer-listed during the summer of 1997. Under incoming manager Eddie May for the 1997–98 season, Omigie made his only appearance of the campaign as a late substitute for Ryan Denys in a 0–0 draw with Chesterfield on 16 August 1997. He failed to receive another call into the first team squad under May's successor Micky Adams and was released in January 1998, having negotiated a settlement on his contract. Omigie made 31 appearances and scored two goals in four years at Griffin Park, though he notably scored 34 goals for the reserve team and top-scored during the 1995–96 and 1996–97 seasons.

Woking (loan)

Omigie had a spell on loan at Conference side Woking early in the 1995–96 season.

Non-league football

After his release from Brentford, Omigie dropped back into non-league football, playing for Welling United, Farnborough Town and Hounslow Borough.

International career

As a youth, Omigie represented the Nigeria Schoolboys side in a match against a President's XI.

Personal life

Omigie attended Southbank University. He is of Nigerian descent.

Honours

Watford Reserves