{{Short description|Footballer (born 2002)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}} {{Infobox football biography |name = Udoka Chima |image = |fullname = Udoka Godwill Chima |birth_date = {{birth date and age|2002|2|1|df=yes}} |birth_place = Italy |height = {{height|m=1.80}} |position = Defender |currentclub = |clubnumber = |youthyears1 = |youthclubs1 = Lace FC |youthyears2 = 2018–2020 |youthclubs2 = Burnley |years1 = 2019–2020 |clubs1 = Burnley |caps1 = 0 |goals1 = 0 |years2 = 2019 |clubs2 = → Steeton AFC (loan) |caps2 = 4 |goals2 = 0 |years3 = 2021–2022 |clubs3 = Queen of the South |caps3 = 1 |goals3 = 0 |years4 = 2022 |clubs4 = Cheshunt |caps4 = 0 |goals4 = 0 |years5 = 2022 |clubs5 = Harrow Borough |caps5 = 2 |goals5 = 0 |years6 = 2022 |clubs6 = Kings Langley |caps6 = 5 |goals6 = 1 |years7 = 2023 |clubs7 = Cavalry FC |caps7 = 13 |goals7 = 0 |years8 = 2023 |clubs8 = Worthing |caps8 = 0 |goals8 = 0 |years9 = 2024 |clubs9 = Fola Esch |caps9 = 4 |goals9 = 0 |years10 = 2024 |clubs10 = St Albans City |caps10 = 0 |goals10 = 0 |years11 = 2024–2025 |clubs11 = Carshalton Athletic |caps11 = 4 |goals11 = 0 |years12 = 2025 |clubs12 = Gute |caps12 = 8 |goals12 = 1 |years13 = 2025 |clubs13 = Welling United |caps13 = 2 |goals13 = 0 |nationalyears1 = |nationalteam1 = Nigeria U19 |nationalcaps1 = |nationalgoals1 = |club-update = 14:49, 1 December 2025 (UTC) |nationalteam-update = }}
'''Udoka Godwill Chima''' {{Audio|LL-Q33578 (ibo)-Vivian Amalachukwu-Udoka Godwill Chima.wav|Listen|help=no}} (born 1 February 2002) is a footballer who plays as a defender. Born in Italy and raised in England, he represented Nigeria at international level.
==Early life== Chima was born in Italy to Nigerian parents and lived between the two countries until his family moved to England when he was six.<ref name=intro /> He played grassroots football for a couple of years with Lace FC, a club based in Tottenham, North London.<ref name=cee>{{cite web|url=https://www.ceecup.org/en/2022/novinka-291-udoka-chima-nigerian-talent-discovered-in-a-park-is-given-a-chance-to-shine-at-burnley|title=Udoka Chima: Nigerian talent discovered in a park is given a chance to shine at Burnley|date=6 January 2023|work=CEE Cup}}</ref> Afterwards, he sought to join an academy program: following trials with the academies of Barnet, Coventry City, Norwich City, and Luton Town,<ref name=intro /><ref name=cee /> in July 2018, he joined the youth system of Burnley.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.brila.net/burnley-signs-18-year-old-nigerian-defender/|title=Burnley signs 18 year old Nigerian defender|date=July 9, 2018|work=Brila FM}}</ref> He was eventually released by Burnley at the end of the 2019-20 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://the72.co.uk/2021/07/12/coventry-city-trialist-impresses-in-friendly-newcastle-united-benfica-previously-linked/|title=Coventry City trialist 'impresses' in friendly – Newcastle United, Benfica previously linked|date=12 July 2021|work=The 72|first=James|last=Ray}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thepointng.com/hot-stuff-newcastle-benfica-chase-chima/|title=Hot stuff! Newcastle, Benfica chase Chima|date=May 17, 2021|first=Andrew|last=Ekejiuba|work=The Point Nigeria}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 June 2020 |title=New Deals For Young Players |url=https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/news/2020/june/new-deals-for-young-players-/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720235308/https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/news/2020/june/new-deals-for-young-players-/ |archive-date=20 July 2020 |access-date=17 February 2023 |website=Burnley F.C.}}</ref>
Following his release from Burnley, he had a trial with Serie A club Napoli in September 2020, along with reported interest from Atalanta and Genoa, as well as French club Dijon.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=37414|title=Napoli Hoping To Beat Atalanta, Genoa To Signing Of Italian-Born Ex-Burnley Center Back Chima|date=September 17, 2020|work=All Nigeria Soccer|first=Ifeanyi|last=Emmanuel}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.africa-press.net/nigeria/all-news/ligue-1-club-dijon-running-the-rule-over-released-burnley-center-back-udoka|title=Ligue 1 Club Dijon Running The Rule Over Released Burnley Center Back Udoka|date=October 12, 2020|work=Africa Press}}</ref> He then had a trial with Primeira Liga club Benfica from 29 April to 9 May 2021, with fellow Portuguese clubs Braga and Porto also interested in signing him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=39898|title=Newcastle United face competition from Portuguese giants Benfica in race to sign Nigerian defender|date=17 May 2021|work=All Nigeria Soccer|first=Ifeanyi|last=Emmanuel}}</ref> Following this, he received interest from Newcastle United,<ref name="intro" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.themag.co.uk/2021/05/udoka-chima-invited-to-train-with-newcastle-united-ahead-of-possible-deal-report/|title=Udoka Chima invited to train with Newcastle United ahead of possible deal – Report|date=May 17, 2021|work=The Mag|first=Graham|last=Porter}}</ref> before subsequently joined Coventry City on a trial in July 2021,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/coventry-transfers-chima-robins-newcastle-20944379|title=Coventry City 'offer trial' to former Burnley defender amid Newcastle United interest|date=1 July 2021|first=Mark|last=Whiley|work=Coventry Telegraph}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=40323|title=Newcastle United face competition from Coventry City for ex-Burnley Nigerian defender|date=1 July 2021|work=All Nigeria Soccer|first=Ifeanyi|last=Emmanuel}}</ref> playing in a pre-season match with the U23s against Leamington.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=40434|title=Nigerian defender, linked with Newcastle United, impresses in trial game with Coventry City U23s|date=12 July 2021|work=All Nigeria Soccer|first=Ifeanyi|last=Emmanuel}}</ref>
==Club career== In August 2019, Chima was loaned by Burnley to Steeton, a club in the North West Counties Football League Division One South, until the end of September.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17867240.steeton-boss-want-continue-premier-league-link-up/|title=Steeton boss: We want to continue Premier League link-up|date=28 August 2019|work=Telegraph & Argus|first=Mark|last=Stanford}}</ref>
In July 2021, he signed a two-year contract with Scottish Championship club Queen of the South.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.qosfc.com/news-5488|title=Welcome Udoka Chima|date=29 July 2021|work=Queen of the South F.C.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://the72.co.uk/2021/07/30/coventry-city-trialist-from-earlier-this-month-udoka-chima-joins-queen-of-the-south/|title=Coventry City trialist from earlier this month Udoka Chima joins Queen of the South|date=30 July 2021|work=The 72|first=Harry|last=Mail}}</ref> He made his debut on 31 July 2021, in a substitute appearance against Partick Thistle.<ref name=intro>{{Cite web|url=https://www.qosfc.com/news-5496|title=Introducing - Udoka Chima|date=August 3, 2021|work=Queen of the South F.C.}}</ref> In May 2022, he mutually terminated his contract with the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.qosfc.com/news-5763|title=Squad Update|publisher=Queen of the South F.C.|date=6 May 2022}}</ref>
On 2 September 2022, Chima joined National League South side Cheshunt.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cheshuntfc.com/2022/09/02/edwards-strengthens-squad/|title=Edwards strengthens squad|date=2 September 2022|work=Cheshunt F.C.}}</ref> However, just ten days later, he made a permanent switch to Southern League Premier South side Harrow Borough.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://southern-football-league.co.uk/news/132334/Chima-Make|title=Chima Makes Boro Move|date=12 September 2022|work=Southern Football League|first=Steve|last=Whitney}}</ref> Soon after again, he moved to Southern League Premier Central club Kings Langley on 30 September,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://southern-football-league.co.uk/news/132503/Kings-Langley-Bring-in-Three/|title=Kings Langley Bring in Three|date=1 October 2022|work=Southern Football League|first=Steve|last=Whitney}}</ref> scoring on his debut on 1 October, in a match against Bromsgrove Sporting.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://southern-football-league.co.uk/news/132510/Saturday%60s-Premier-Division-Central-Round-Up|title=Saturday's Premier Division Central Round-Up|date=1 October 2022|work=Southern Football League|first=Steve|last=Whitney}}</ref> Afterwards, he spent some time training with Onside Football Institute in England, while looking for a new club.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://canpl.ca/article/it-makes-canada-feel-more-like-home-familiar-faces-helping-cpls-londoners-thrive-in-new-environments|title='It makes Canada feel more like home': Familiar faces helping CPL's Londoners thrive in new environments|date=May 16, 2023|first=Benedict|last=Rhodes|work=Canadian Premier League}}</ref>
On 13 February 2023, Chima joined Canadian Premier League club Cavalry FC on a one-year contract, with a club option for another season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cavalryfc.canpl.ca/article/udoka-chima|title=Cavalry FC signs Nigerian Youth International Defender Udoka Chima to 2023 Roster|date=February 13, 2023|work=Cavalry FC}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/cavalry-fc-udoka-chima/|title=Cavalry Hopes To Continue 'Great Tradition' Of CB Signings With Udoka Chima|date=February 13, 2023|work=Northern Tribune|first=John|last=Jacques}}</ref> Upon completion of the 2023 season, Chima's contract would be terminated by mutual consent, ending his time with the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cavalryfc.canpl.ca/article/2024-roster-updates|title=Cavalry FC Announces End of Season Roster Updates|website=Cavalry FC|date=November 30, 2023|access-date=30 November 2023|archive-date=25 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725064745/https://cavalryfc.canpl.ca/article/2024-roster-updates|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On 9 December 2023, he officially returned to England by joining National League South club Worthing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://worthingfc.com/2023/12/udoka-chima-joins-rebels/|title=Udoka Chima joins Rebels|website=Worthing F.C.|date=9 December 2023|first=Jack|last=Williams}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/worthing-fc-udoka-chima-sign/|title=Udoka Chima Returns To England With Worthing FC|date=December 11, 2023|work=Northern Tribune|first=John|last=Jacques}}</ref> He departed at the end of December, not having featured in any matches due to a hamstring injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://worthingfc.com/2024/01/squad-update-2/|title=Squad Update|date=2 January 2024|first=Jack|last=Williams|work=Worthing F.C.}}</ref>
In March 2024, Chima joined Luxembourg National Division club Fola Esch.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tageblatt.lu/headlines/schal-gate-in-mersch-zwei-neue-auf-der-fola-die-splitter-vor-dem-19-spieltag/|title=Schal-Gate in Mersch, zwei Neue auf der Fola: Die Splitter vor dem 19. Spieltag|trans-title=Schal-Gate in Mersch, two new ones on the Fola: The splinters before the 19th matchday|language=de|date=2 March 2024|work=Tageblatt|first=Christelle|last=Diederich}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://northerntribune.ca/luxembourg-cs-fola-udoka-chima/|title=Luxembourg Looms For Former Cavalry Defender Udoka Chima|date=5 March 2024|work=Northern Tribune|first=John|last=Jacques}}</ref>
In November 2024, Chima joined National League South side St Albans City.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stalbanscityfc.com/squad-update-woodman-and-evans-recalled-chima-signs/|title=SQUAD UPDATE: Woodman and Evans recalled, Chima signs|publisher=St Albans City F.C.|date=7 November 2024|accessdate=10 January 2025}}</ref> The following month, he was playing for Isthmian League side Carshalton Athletic.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.carshaltonathletic.co.uk/da/cafc-vs-horsham-fc-match-report/|title=CAFC vs Horsham FC – Match Report|publisher=Carshalton Athletic F.C.|date=4 January 2025|accessdate=10 January 2025}}</ref>
In February 2025, he joined Swedish Division 2 side Gute in the fourth tier.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://etidning.gotlandstidningar.se/p/gotlands-tidningar/2025-02-12/a/gute-vassar-truppen-med-back/1965/1838345/60667019|title=Gute vässar truppen med back|date=February 12, 2025|trans-title=Gute sharpens the squad with a defender|work=Gotlands Tidningar|language=Swedish|first=Michael|last=Häglund}}</ref>
On 4 November 2025, Chima joined Isthmian League Premier Division club Welling United,<ref> {{cite web|url=https://wellingunited.com/2025/11/wings-welcome-defender-udoka-chima/|title=Wings welcome defender Udoka Chima|website=wellingunited.com|date=4 November 2025|accessdate=1 December 2025}}</ref> however he departed the club before the end of the month.<ref> {{cite web|url=https://wellingunited.com/2025/11/squad-update-simmons-heads-out-on-loan-while-trio-depart/|title=Squad update: Simmons head out on loan, while trio depart|website=wellingunited.com|date=29 November 2025|accessdate=1 December 2025}}</ref>
==International career== Chima has played for the Nigeria U19 team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://calgarysun.com/sports/soccer/calgary-cavalry/cavalry-adds-young-centre-back-udoka-chima-to-cpl-roster|title=Cavalry adds young centre-back Udoka Chima to CPL roster|date=February 13, 2023|work=Calgary Sun}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *{{soccerway|udoka-chima/646974}} *[https://www.steetonafc.co.uk/teams/202710/player/udoka-chima-2405582/66226 Udoka Chima profile] at AFC Steeton *[https://www.svenskfotboll.se/spelarfakta/udoka-chima/5f28fda6-fbce-48ab-b7a3-e30d4d866634/ Profile] at Swedish FA
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chima, Udoka}} Category:Living people Category:2002 births Category:Men's association football defenders Category:Nigerian men's footballers Category:Nigeria men's youth international footballers Category:Italian men's footballers Category:Italian people of Nigerian descent Category:Italian emigrants to the United Kingdom Category:Burnley F.C. players Category:Steeton A.F.C. players Category:Queen of the South F.C. players Category:Cheshunt F.C. players Category:Harrow Borough F.C. players Category:Kings Langley F.C. players Category:Cavalry FC players Category:Worthing F.C. players Category:CS Fola Esch players Category:St Albans City F.C. players Category:Carshalton Athletic F.C. players Category:FC Gute players Category:Welling United F.C. players Category:North West Counties Football League players Category:Scottish Professional Football League players Category:Southern Football League players Category:Canadian Premier League players Category:Luxembourg National Division players Category:Isthmian League players Category:Division 2 (Swedish football) players Category:Place of birth missing (living people) Category:21st-century Italian sportsmen Category:21st-century Nigerian sportsmen Category:English expatriate men's footballers Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Luxembourg Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Sweden Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in Canada