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Callum Robinson, a 22-year-old from Callum, made headlines Tuesday after he admitted that he chose not to get vaccinated against Covid-19 even though he had been infected twice.
Callum Robinson scored two goals to help the Republic of Ireland beat Azerbaijan 3-1 in Baku.
The Republic lost 12 competitive games under Kenny. However, this win will relieve some of the pressure.
Robinson of West Brom scored his goals in the opening half, with Chiedozie Olbene scoring a third.
Robinson disclosed in midweek that he hadn't received the Covid-19 vaccine.
26-year-old striker was found to have coronavirus two times. This revelation sparked a debate in Ireland about whether athletes should be vaccinated to protect their country.
However, Republic manager Kenny, and John Egan (capitol against Azerbaijan) staunchly supported Robinson's right to choose.
The controversy was reacted to by the frontman, who put on an energetic and goal-scoring display during the World Cup Group A qualifier.
Robinson scored a fine international second goal, as he fired from the roof of the net in the seventh minute from just outside the penalty box after James McClean's passing pass.
In the 39th minute, he claimed a double when his shot from just outside of the box, which was against the flow of play, took a deflection from Azerbaijan defender Hojjat Havverdi, before tricking home keeper Sahruddin Meshemmedeliyev.
Substitute Ogbene from League One side Rotherham added the third goal in the final minute normal time after his header was caught under the Azerbaijani keeper.
Stephen Kenny watches as his Republic of Ireland wins the first competition win of his reign
Kenny was ready for any win
The 50th-ranked Kenny side was not able to overcome a country ranked 117th in Fifa ratings.
The Republic lost their way after Robinson's opening goal, with Haghverdi, home defender, missing two fantastic headed chances to bring the hosts level.
Robinson's second goal gave them breathing room, and Daryl Horgan introduced Jamie McGrath from St Mirren to Kenny's team at half-time. This gave Kenny's side greater control over the midfield after the break.
Robinson missed four opportunities to complete his hat trick with McClean, Shane Duffy and McClean.
Before Ogbene's last effort, Azerbaijan put some pressure on Republic keeper Gavin Bazunu by tipping a Qara Garayev-shot onto his underside crossbar.
Matt Doherty, Republic's wingback, also seemed to be fortunate to not concede a penalty at 2-0. Instead, he handled with the referee and decided that Mahir Emreli, Azerbaijan striker had pulled the Tottenham jersey.
Robinson justifies Republic recall
Robinson's inclusion in the suspended Alan Browne match was one of two changes made to last month's 1-1 draw with Serbia. McGrath was also replaced by Horgan - and Horgan completely justified his selection.
Before he was able to put them ahead, he had been part of the Republic's most exciting moments.
McClean's feint following a pass from Josh Cullen allowed him to find Robinson with a pass towards Azerbaijan's penalty area. After a touch with his right foot, Robinson made a spectacular effort with his left boot at 20 yards.
The Republic was pushed into their territory by the Republic for the next 30 minute.
Haghverdi missed a free header eight yards out, and he missed another chance.
Filip Ozobic's goalkeeper saved the day. Robinson, who was facing Robinson, received a pass from Egan, and fired in a deflected attempt.
Although the Republic missed many opportunities to increase their total, Ogbene, who was born in Nigeria, became the first African-born player representing the Irish in June. He returned home the third.
What's next?
The Republic will face Qatar in a friendly at Dublin on Tuesday. They then finish their Group A campaign on 11 November with a home match against Portugal and a final game at Luxembourg three days later.
