Chika Wali

Chika Wali is a Nigerian football player who plays as a Defender for I-League team Salgaocar.

From the grounds of River State in Nigeria to Pune F.C, this solidly built Nigerian 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 as a teenager on the invitation of PFC. A close friend of Chika introduced him to Nigel Empson, a manager in India, who then brought him to the notice of PFC leading to his present contract. This is his sixth year in India as a pro.

Chika brings his powerful physique and athleticism to the game and is very strong in the air – a must for a central defender. His skill in a one-on-one skirmish with opposing strikers has brought many attacks to a grinding halt, while his courage and commitment are unquestioned.

Chika has been a key part of the PFC team which won promotion to the I-League and has gone on to establish itself as a major force in Indian football, finishing second in the I-League in season 2012-13. Hugely popular with the fans and his team-mates, Chika has shown commendable loyalty to PFC. Clean living and dedicated Chika is a player with the character and dedication to do extremely well in the game

External links

• http://www.indianfootball.com/en/statistic/player/detail/playerId/583
• http://goal.com/en-india/people/nigeria/28861/wali-chika