A young Nigerian player, Christopher Chideria Daniel, has recounted how a lucrative professional contract he signed with Ukrainian club, FC Oleksandyria in 2022 ended prematurely due to the outbreak of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. In this interview with Trust Sports, the former Mighty Jets, Niger Tornadoes and Heartland FC star spoke on his early days as a footballer, his misfortune in Ukraine, the Nigerian Premier League and his future plans.
How did you start your football career?
I am Igbo by tribe but I was born and bred in Jos. So, like many other Nigerian youths, I started playing football at the age of five in the dusty streets of Jos in Plateau State. Then we didn’t care much about tactics and techniques because we played for fun. It was much later that we began to play under the guidance of some adults in our area.
How much support did you enjoy from your parents when you started your career?
To be very honest, things were really rough. I am actually the last born in the family of five- three boys and two girls. Like my other siblings, I started life in the most difficult way as we grew up in the midst of the endless crisis in Jos. In the year 2010, our family house in Jos was burnt down and things became really hard for my parents. We were living from hand to mouth. As little as I was, I had to hawk bread to support the family. I was also making progress in football but had to quit to come over to Sulejah in Niger State where I served a paternal uncle for two years. However, during the 2010 Easter celebrations, I had to travel back to Jos and when I visited our training pitch, I realised that my teammates had made so much improvement in football. That day I shed tears because I imagined where I would have been if I hadn’t stopped training. Thereafter, I decided I wasn’t going back to Sulejah. My dad tried to persuade me but my mum supported me to stay back. It will also interest you to know that I was able to save N80,000 which I used for little business to support my family. But my mind was on football. So, later, I returned fully to the field of play.
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When and where did you start playing professionally?
I started my professional career with Mighty Jets of Jos. I was discovered by one of Nigeria’s best football coaches, Bernard Ogbe. He scouted me during one of the BetNaija grassroots football competitions in Jos. I am highly indebted to him because he helped in developing my raw talent.
Apart from Mighty Jets, which other clubs did you play for in the Nigerian league?
When Ogbe left Mighty Jets for Niger Tornadoes, I was among the players that he took along with him. I played for a season with Niger Tornadoes. I had a brief stint because we had a series of poor results which forced our coach to tender his resignation. When a new coach was brought in, he decided to drop most of us who were brought into the team by his predecessor. Apart from Tornadoes, I also played for Heartland of Owerri. However, I will say as a teenager, I was elated when I joined Tornadoes. It was my first time in the Nigerian topflight and I really enjoyed my time there. It actually marked the beginning of my professional career.
Having played in the NPFL, what is your assessment of the Nigerian league?
I will say kudos to the organisers who are doing their best to reposition the domestic league. There are so many things that need urgent attention but I think with time, it will get better. For the coaches, I must commend those who have continued to give opportunities to young players to showcase their talents.
You signed for FC Oleksandriya of Ukraine but had to come back to Nigeria when the war between Ukraine and Russia broke out. How disappointed were you over the unfortunate development?
Honestly it was a terrible blow and it took me a long time to put that behind me. It was so painful that I asked myself a lot of questions. I had worked hard to get to that level and when it appeared I was getting reward for my hard work, from nowhere the war started and shattered my dreams. I was torn between the pain of a failed mission and how to survive the war. In the end, God in his infinite mercy comforted me and also provided the means for me to return safely to Nigeria. It is said once there is life, there is hope. I am not giving up on my dreams.
Will you be willing to go back to Ukraine?
I am a professional player who is ready to play anywhere in the world provided my safety is guaranteed. So, going back to Ukraine won’t be a problem, if I find a good deal there. Moreover, within the period I lived there, I adapted to so many things. I have a reasonable knowledge about the culture of the people as well. The weather there is quite cold compared to other parts of Europe but if I am to go back, it won’t be a serious challenge again.
So, what are you doing to re-launch your career?
At the moment, I am training in Abuja with some of my former teammates. Some of them are former Super Eagles players. I am training hard for the next opportunity that will come my way. And I am ready to play again in the NPFL for any serious club that will need my services.
From what you have said it has not been easy with you. So what exactly has kept you going?
What has taken me this far is God and the prayer of my mom. Sometimes, being good at what you do isn’t enough. No matter what happens, one has to be positive and always believe that God who has given him the talent to play football will make him succeed.
Which of the renowned players do you idolise?
When I started playing football as a little boy, I wanted to be like the skillful Brazilian, Ronaldinho but as time went on I switched to the great Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal when he was banging in the goals for Manchester United and later Real Madrid. I have settled for C.Ronaldo because of his dedication, discipline and commitment to the game.
What is your ultimate ambition in football?
I will say my biggest dream is to play professional football abroad and represent my country at the international level. Playing for the Super Eagles is my ultimate dream. It is not going to be easy but with hard work and the grace of God, I will get there. God knows that I will touch so many lives, if he grants this wish.
How do you relax when you are not playing football?
I sleep most of the time. I also spare time to watch Netflix or YouTube videos but reading the word of God takes a greater percentage of my time when I am not on the field of play.