Chima got here on as a second-half substitute on March 7, 2026.
| Picture Credit score: Chennaiyin FC
No pre-season coaching together with his teammates. No time to recover from jet lag after a strenuous 32-hour journey. No window of alternative to totally perceive the brand new head coach’s philosophy. No downside for Chennaiyin FC striker Daniel Chima Chukwu, a participant who has blown many away together with his “unbelievable” dedication.
Chima, whose arrival had been delayed resulting from visa points, managed his maiden look of the Indian Tremendous League season regardless of touchdown in Kochi solely hours earlier than the fixture towards Kerala Blasters FC on Saturday.
After receiving the visa clearance on Thursday, the Nigerian started his journey in Abuja on Friday morning. Following layovers in Addis Ababa and Mumbai, Chima touched down on the Cochin airport at 3.20 p.m. on Saturday. Whereas the 34-year-old was conscious of the after-effects of the energy-sapping journey, he expressed his want to play the match – which had a 7.30 p.m. kick-off – to chief coach Clifford Miranda.
“I ought to say ‘thanks’ to him (Chima). He arrived 5 minutes earlier than we left the resort. It was round 5.25 p.m., one thing like that. He flew for nearly 30 to 32 hours. It’s unbelievable to see him come and assist us,” Miranda hailed the centre-forward after the 1-0 victory.
Chima got here on as a second-half substitute, changing fellow striker Inigo Martin. “He’s an alternative choice up-front. It’s at all times good to have a participant like him… a focus once we go ahead (on the pitch),” Miranda added. He’s some extent of focus now, due to his dedication.
Revealed – March 09, 2026 02:24 am IST
