#3 Chima Okorie (1984-1993, 1997-1998)
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Architecture and football seem to have no connection whatsoever, but Chima proved that inconsequential. In 1984, a 21-year old burly built Norwegian came to Vishakapatnam University to study architecture and was soon scouted by Mohammedan Sporting, who signed the striker for the 1985-86 season, and then the fairytale began.
His form saw him sign for East Bengal in 1987, making him one of the elite players to have played for the ‘Big Two’ of Indian football. Such was Okorie’s growth that he became the first foreigner to be signed by Mohun Bagan, in 1991. Chima top-scored in the Calcutta Football League seven times in 12 seasons that he played, a record which still stands untouched.
Not very skillful, Chima was powerful and intimidated defenders with his presence and stamina. He could bulldoze past defenders, was an able holder of the ball to link-up play and was more than a presence in the opposition box. Chima became the flag-bearer for the thousands of African players plying their trade in India.
Football viewers still remember the Chima Okorie at his best, terrorizing defenders all over the nation. In the 1988 Durand Cup semi-final, East Bengal were the underdogs. Chima came up with a magnificent display of attacking football, scored two goals and led the team to the finals single-handedly. After this performance, Chima made a special place in the hearts of the Red-and-Gold brigade.
After switching sides, Chima didn’t stop his exploits either. Mohun Bagan were playing the offensive diamond under the eccentric Amal Dutta, with Chima at the top of the diamond. In the 1997 Federation Cup, Mohun Bagan outclassed the Goan outfit 6-0. Tactically outplaying a Goan side was against the order of the day. Chima scored 4 goals in that memorable match, a commendable performance.
Chima had discipline issues throughout his career and his career ended with one such incident. In a KFL Derby match in 1999, an outraged Chima assaulted the referee, which saw an end to his maverick-yet-accomplished football career. Chima, later, had managerial stints in various parts of India.
