Chika Wali

Chika Wali

Personal information
Full name	Chika Wali
Date of birth	August 10, 1988 (1988-08-10) (age 23)
Place of birth	Ramuomoi, Nigeria
Height	1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Playing position	Defender
Club information
Current club	Pune
Number	4
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2007-2010	Pune	21	(2)
2010-11	Chirag United	16	(0)
2011-present	Pune	4	(1)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

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.

External links

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

Persondata
Name	Wali, Chika
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	1988-08-10
Place of birth	Ramuomoi, Nigeria
Date of death
Place of death