Lot of talent in Indian football, but get big coaches, focus on youth programmes, says Chukwu

Daniel Chima Chukwu

Daniel Chima Chukwu couldn’t quite make a mark in his maiden season in the Indian Super League (ISL). The Nigerian had arrived at East Bengal with a big reputation; he had scored, and created, goals aplenty in Norway and China.

He couldn’t do as much in Kolkata, though he had two goals from 10 matches. But a move, during the January transfer window of 22, to a city less than 300km away from the Eastern metropolis, worked wonders.

Chukwu scored on his debut for Jamshedpur FC against FC Goa. It didn’t take him long to establish himself as one of the most dangerous strikers in the ISL.

The 32-year-old is looking forward to carrying his form into the new season. Jamshedpur opens its campaign against East Bengal on September 25. 

He is excited with the team’s new signings, such as the Serbian striker Alen Stevanovic. 

“Alen has a lot of experience of playing in Europe and I am looking forward to striking a partnership with him,” Chukwu told The Hindu. “I have also been training with the other new signings and the team is shaping up well.”

He said he had been enjoying his time at Jamshedpur. “I have done well, but it has to do with having a great team, teammates, staff and management; you have people to put you through whenever you’re having difficulties,” he said.