Daily Manna Bakery assistant captain Tony Chukwuma has credited experience, determination and teamwork for his impressive defensive display after his side secured a 1-1 draw against Team Jendol in Matchweek 2 of the Island AllStars Sports Club PatrickLingo Super League Football Tournament at the Lagos Business School Sports Arena.
Speaking in an interview with Sports247, the 53-year-old centre-back reflected on his team’s performance, their determination despite a shortage of players and the importance of communication in defence.
Daily Manna Bakery entered the encounter as underdogs, according to Chukwuma, who admitted that their opponents might not have expected such a strong showing from a side affected by player unavailability.
“We went into the game as underdogs, and our opponents probably did not expect us to perform the way we did, especially because we were short of players,” he said.
However, Chukwuma insisted that the team’s collective determination made the difference, revealing that he encouraged his teammates to remain united before stepping onto the pitch.
“Before we stepped onto the pitch, I told my teammates that we had to play as one and remain united. I believe that collective determination contributed to our performance,” he explained.
The assistant captain expressed optimism about Daily Manna Bakeries’ prospects, noting that more players are expected to return for their subsequent fixtures.
“There is no dispute within our team, and we are united in our pursuit of success,” he said
One of the standout talking points from the encounter was Chukwuma’s performance at centre-back. At 53, he continues to compete in a physically demanding position, using his experience to deal with aerial threats and organise the defence.
Asked about the secret behind his performance, he maintained that age has not diminished his determination to contribute on the pitch.
“I am 53 years old, but as they say, age is just a number. It is all about the heart and determination,” Chukwuma said.
He explained that experience helps him make crucial defensive decisions, particularly when judging aerial balls, deciding when to challenge and knowing when to maintain his position.
Chukwuma also praised his defensive partnership with fellow centre-back Rudiger, describing him as a reliable ally on the pitch.
“In a team, you have to understand the person you are partnering with. As long as there is good communication between us, we can understand each other very well. Rudiger is a very good ally on the field of play,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Chukwuma explained that the absence of several players was partly due to travel commitments, with some expected to return the following week.
He remains confident that their return will strengthen the squad as Daily Manna Bakeries continue their campaign in the PatrickLingo Super League.
