Healthy rivalry, strong bond: Jordan and Chima on competition, camaraderie, and the
team (5-7 minute read)
In this insightful interview, we sit down with Wilmar Jordan Gil and Daniel Chima Chukwu ,two of
the key forwards for the club, to delve into their unique dynamic both on and off the field. As
teammates vying for the same position, their relationship is a blend of competition and mutual
respect. Despite battling for the starting spot, their bond is built on support, encouragement, and
a shared commitment to the team’s success.
In this conversation, they reflect on how this rivalry pushes them to be better, the qualities the
admire in each other’s playing styles, and how they balance friendship with the desire to
succeed. Their perspective offers a valuable insight into the importance of teamwork,
competition, and the power of camaraderie in professional sports.

QUESTION : HOW DOES COMPETING WITH EACH OTHER IMPACT YOUR INDIVIDUAL
PERFORMANCE ON THE FIELD?

JORDAN: Competing with Chima helps me perform to the best of my abilities. It is not
necessarily competition but rather a way for both of us to push each other to our limits, which
brings out the best in us and benefits the team. From my perspective, it does not negatively
affect my performance, as Chima helps me improve significantly. This ultimately benefits the
team.
CHIMA: It helps me in the sense that I need to be ready at any time I’m called upon. Knowing
that I’m prepared also pushes him because he knows that if he makes the slightest mistake, I’ll
step in. We’re both staying ready so that if one of us slows down, the other can step up and take
over. The competition is strong, but it’s healthy.

QUESTION : WHAT SPECIFIC QUALITY OF EACH OTHER’S PLAYING STYLE DO YOU
ADMIRE?

JORDAN: I admire his dedication. He is extremely hardworking and always gives 100% in both
training and official matches.
CHIMA: I think he’s calmer than I am. I really like it when a striker is calm and composed in the
box, and that’s the thing I admire most about him.

QUESTION: HOW HAVE YOU IMPROVED DUE TO THE RIVALRY?

JORDAN: We are both very good players, and on an individual level, I think this competition
helps us perform to the best of our abilities. It fosters healthy competition between us, which is
good for the team. So when we go out to play, we always strive to give our best and do our part
for the team.
CHIMA : I think this experience has helped me discover a lot about myself. I’ve realised that I
can contribute to the team not just on the field but also from the sidelines in one way or another.
I know some of my teammates look up to me to see how I react, especially when things don’t go
their way. I’ve seen the frustration in some of the guys I sit on the bench with, but I try to remind
them that even though it might feel bad now, in the end, they could be the ones smiling.

QUESTION : HOW DO YOU THINK THE COMPETITION BETWEEN YOU TWO IMPACTS
THE TEAM?

JORDAN: We are a team of 22 players, and each of us knows that we will have opportunities to
play and contribute. This is especially true for the two of us as forwards, given that the coach’s
system typically features just one forward. We have a healthy group of very good people and
great professionals. The competition remains healthy, regardless of who is playing.
CHIMA : I think the competition between us is really healthy. There’s no bad energy, and the
team sees that even though we play the same position, we’re not at each other’s throats or
trying to outdo one another negatively. Instead, we’re setting an example for other players
competing for the same position.

QUESTION: HOW DO YOU BALANCE SUPPORTING EACH OTHER WHILE BOTH ARE
EYEING THE SAME SPOT IN THE TEAM?

JORDAN: I believe that as the season progresses, we are improving as well. Both Chima and I
are motivated to give our best—whether it’s the player currently on the field who wants to
maintain consistency, or the one waiting for an opportunity who aims to seize it. Ultimately,
whether it’s him or me, we both want what is best for the team.
CHIMA : If you want success, you have to be happy for those who are successful. Right now,
he’s excelling in the position, and it would be selfish of me to want him out just so I can have my
turn. This is about the team, not just me. If I get my chance, I’ll take it, but for now, it’s his
moment, and I’m genuinely happy for him. When my turn comes, I hope he’ll be just as happy
for me.

QUESTIONS : HOW DO YOU KEEP THINGS LIGHT-HEARTED DESPITE THE RIVALRY?

JORDAN: Chima and I are very good friends. He is such a nice guy. We laugh, talk, and share
an excellent relationship both on and off the field. We always support each other. On the field,
we compete in a healthy way, but off the field, we are good friends.
CHIMA: With Jordan I do not have such a rivalry. We hang out a few times and we are just cool
with each other. Yeah, with the guys, I think I have a few rivals off the pitch, like Diliana and
Dinpuia for sure. These two, and Jithu as well, we have this friendly rivalry. Every time you see
us, we don’t just greet and walk past; we have to insult each other before moving on. On the
pitch, it helps us because we know that while we’re friends off the field, we have to do our job in
training. After training, we can go back to being the crazy friends we were before.

QUESTION: WHAT DO YOU SAY TO EACH OTHER DURING MATCH SUBSTITUTIONS?

JORDAN: Chima and I motivate each other, and it makes me happy because I want to do things
well. As I mentioned before, we are a team, and the success of one player is the success of all.
We want to do our part for the team and encourage each other to get the job done.
CHIMA: For me, I believe the best way for someone to succeed is to be happy for others when
they succeed. If I’m not happy for your success, I’m sure others won’t be happy for mine either.
So, whenever he scores, I’m genuinely happy for him and for the team because the team
always comes first. When he scores, I know the team really needs it. And when I’m about to
come on, he walks up to me and tells me, ‘Bro, you have to score.’ After the game, he’ll say, ‘I
know it’s difficult being out there by yourself, but you have to make the most of the chances you
get.’ There’s always that encouragement. If I’m going in, he encourages me to aim for the target
and do my best.