After a 32-hour journey, Chima joins Chennaiyin FC hours before ISL match, goes on to play

No pre-season training with his teammates. No time to get over jet lag after a strenuous 32-hour journey. No window of opportunity to fully understand the new head coach’s philosophy. No problem for Chennaiyin FC striker Daniel Chima Chukwu, a player who has blown many away with his “incredible” commitment.

Chima, whose arrival had been delayed due to visa issues, managed his maiden appearance of the Indian Super League season despite landing in Kochi only hours before the fixture against Kerala Blasters FC on Saturday.

After receiving the visa clearance on Thursday, the Nigerian began his trip in Abuja on Friday morning. Following layovers in Addis Ababa and Mumbai, Chima touched down at the Cochin airport at 3.20 p.m. on Saturday. While the 34-year-old was aware of the after-effects of the energy-sapping journey, he expressed his desire to play the match – which had a 7.30 p.m. kick-off – to chief coach Clifford Miranda.

“I should say ‘thank you’ to him (Chima). He arrived five minutes before we left the hotel. It was around 5.25 p.m., something like that. He flew for almost 30 to 32 hours. It is incredible to see him come and help us,” Miranda hailed the centre-forward after the 1-0 victory.

Chima came on as a second-half substitute, replacing fellow striker Inigo Martin. “He is another option up-front. It is always nice to have a player like him… a focal point when we go forward (on the pitch),” Miranda added. He is a point of focus now, thanks to his dedication.