Chika Wali
Encyclopedia
Chika Wali is an Nigerian football player who plays as a Defender
for I-League
team Pune.
From the grounds of River State in Nigeria to Pune F.C, this solidly built Nigerian teenager has come some distance in every sense of the phrase.
Chika started playing the game when he was eight beginning with school games and all school tournaments. He was then picked to play for his state where he used to play as a defensive midfielder.
Incidentally, Chika, in his early days wanted to be a striker – he loved scoring goals – but a coach said that he would go much further in the game if he played back considering his height and physique.
Later a scout spotted him and got him a contract to play for a club in the neighbouring Republic of Benin, a two hours drive from Chika’s place in Nigeria. He spent a season there – his first as a professional in the game.
He came to India on the invitation of PFC. A close friend of Chika introduced him to a manager in India who then brought him to the notice of PFC leading to his present contract. This is his third year as a pro.
Chika brings his natural African physique and athleticism to the game but those are not his only strengths. He is very good in the air – a must for a full back – and his skill in a one-on-one skirmish with opposing strikers has brought many attacks to a grinding halt.
The highlight of Chika’s nascent career has been being part of the PFC team last year which qualified for the I-League. Chika’s transition to sub-continental football has been seamless.
Defender
Defender usually refers to a position in association football .Defender or The Defender may also refer to:-Film and television:* The Defender or The Bodyguard from Beijing, a film starring Jet Li...
for I-League
I-League
The I-League is an Indian football league for association football clubs. At the top of the Indian football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. Contested by 14 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation of two teams each year with the I-League 2nd Division...
team Pune.
From the grounds of River State in Nigeria to Pune F.C, this solidly built Nigerian teenager has come some distance in every sense of the phrase.
Chika started playing the game when he was eight beginning with school games and all school tournaments. He was then picked to play for his state where he used to play as a defensive midfielder.
Incidentally, Chika, in his early days wanted to be a striker – he loved scoring goals – but a coach said that he would go much further in the game if he played back considering his height and physique.
Later a scout spotted him and got him a contract to play for a club in the neighbouring Republic of Benin, a two hours drive from Chika’s place in Nigeria. He spent a season there – his first as a professional in the game.
He came to India on the invitation of PFC. A close friend of Chika introduced him to a manager in India who then brought him to the notice of PFC leading to his present contract. This is his third year as a pro.
Chika brings his natural African physique and athleticism to the game but those are not his only strengths. He is very good in the air – a must for a full back – and his skill in a one-on-one skirmish with opposing strikers has brought many attacks to a grinding halt.
The highlight of Chika’s nascent career has been being part of the PFC team last year which qualified for the I-League. Chika’s transition to sub-continental football has been seamless.
External links
- http://www.indianfootball.com/en/statistic/player/detail/playerId/583
- http://goal.com/en-india/people/nigeria/28861/wali-chika