ISL 2021-22: Tough beginning, but in the end, glory for me: Jamshedpur FC’s Daniel Chima Chukwu

Daniel Chima Chukwu made a move to Jamshedpur FC from SC East Bengal during the winter transfer window in December. The Nigerian could only manage two goals in 10 appearances for SC East Bengal. However, he was able to turn the tables while playing for the Men of Steel as he scored seven goals in nine matches in the second leg of the league stage.

Chukwu is delighted with his performance for Jamshedpur FC as he stated that it was a tough beginning for him but in the end, it was glorious.

Chukwu was instrumental in taking Jamshedpur FC to their maiden Hero Indian Super League Winners Shield title after they finished at the top of the standings with 13 wins from 20 matches and finished with a total of 43 points, which is the highest in the history of Hero ISL league stage.

Chukwu said in an interview with the official website of ISL, “It was a tough beginning for me. But you can see in the end, it is glory for me.”

Speaking what the League Winners Shield means to him, the Nigerian striker said, “It shows that when you are at your very low, you should not give up. As a matter of fact, I did not give up and kept pushing which got me here. Anyone can get off their lowest low and make out something from it.”

On the other hand, Ritwik Das scored the League Winners Shield goal as he found the back of the net against ATK Mohun Bagan. Das has thus far scored a total of four goals in 15 matches for Jamshedpur FC.

Speaking on his goal-scoring partnership with Das, Chukwu said, “It is all about the good connections and friendship. We try to talk to each other about how you’d enjoy playing and if you get an understanding, you are good to go. And with him (Ritwik), it is very easy because he is a very cool guy. We play like we’re having fun almost every day. It is easier to communicate with him and know what he wants and he knows what I want, so it is a good feeling. I am sure he is going to go far with the way he is playing.”

Meanwhile, Owen Coyle has done a fine job in getting the best out of his players. Chukwu said on his head coach role, “He already knows what I can do. All he needs to do is just get the right people around me to motivate and push me. That is what he did and it is working.”

The first leg of the semifinal between Jamshedpur FC and Kerala Blasters will be played at PJN Stadium, Fatorda on Friday.