Indian Super League outfit SC East Bengal have roped in Nigerian striker Daniel Chima Chukwu to lead their line for the upcoming season. The Red and Golds announced it on Thursday.
Chima was a pivotal figure at Norwegian outfit Molde FK and guided them to three league titles in 2011, 2012 and 2014. He also guided them to two Norwegian Cups in 2013 and 2014. He earned all of these plaudits during his five years stay at the club (2010-2015).
In 2013 he was the top scorer for Molde with 13 goals while playing under current Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The United tactician guided Molde to two of the three league wins during his time at the club.
“I am happy to be part of such a prestigious club. I want to help SC East Bengal win as many matches as possible,” Chima said after completing all the formalities.
“I have won titles in Norway and worked with some of the best coaches in the business. I will look to use my experience and help my teammates get better. I am also looking forward to working with our coaching staff.
“I was looking for a new challenge, and India excited me. The Indian Super League is growing, and I thought it would be the right move,” he added.
Apart from Molde, Chima has also plied his trade for clubs like Legia Warszawa in the Polish top division. He also turned out for Chinese outfit Shangai Shenxin. However, in 2018 he again returned to Molde and then moved out on loan to join Chinese second division outfit Heilongjiang Lava Spring.
Chima has a lot of experience when it comes to playing in big matches and pressure situations. He has featured in the Europa League for Molde and has scored three goals from seven outings during the 2012-13 season.
The 30-year-old striker becomes the fourth foreigner for Manuel Diaz’s SC East Bengal. He will lead the lines for the Red and Golds in the upcoming season. Despite being a centre forward, the Nigerian can slot in on either flank and even behind the primary striker.
SC East Bengal will start their ISL journey against Jamshedpur FC on November 21.
