Chuckunyere masters Malta

By Domenic Aquilina

Three goals in four UEFA Champions League appearances is a fair return from a player more used to life in the Maltese Premier League. Yet it is a record Nigerian striker Ndubisi Chuckunyere is determined to improve on.

Wider audience
The Hibernians FC man announced himself to a European audience with two goals in the 3-2 aggregate, first qualifying round victory over Irish side Shelbourne FC - including the last-minute winner in the away leg in Dublin. He also scored against Boavista FC in the second qualifying round as his team were beaten 7-3 on aggregate.

'Dream come true'
Despite the latter result, it was an unforgettable experience for the 22-year-old, and one he would love to repeat. "Playing against Shelbourne and then Boavista, who were ranked as one of the best teams in Europe last season, was a dream come true," he told uefa.com.

'A unique experience'
"The UEFA Champions League is the biggest event in European football, and playing in it gives you the opportunity to play against big clubs which in itself is a unique experience," he said. "It paved the way for me to know my place in football. It improved my confidence and hopefully I can look forward to the chance of playing for a big foreign club."

Huge reputation
Any decision to leave Malta, however, would be a hard one. "Hibernians are in my heart," he said. "They stuck with me through the bad times of my early playing days. It will be difficult to say goodbye if the opportunity arises to join a big club."

Championship triumph
Chuckunyere came to the island five years ago, establishing himself as a star of the Maltese Premier League by helping Hibernians lift the title in 2001/02. This season, meanwhile, he has been behind the Paola club's recent surge up the table - and with eight goals is joint top scorer in the division.

Improved standard
Yet when he first arrived in the country, Chuckunyere found the standard of football nowhere near as high as it is now. "I have been with Hibernians just over five years," he explained. "I reckon the first three years was mediocre. Maltese youngsters have talent but they need a professional attitude. However, in the last two seasons the level of football has improved considerably."

Nigerian prospects
The real fast-tracking, though, has been that of Chuckunyere. A potential Nigerian international, he believes that playing in one of Europe's smaller leagues has hurt his chances. "Unfortunately, players like me are not considered good enough for the Nigerian team because we play in Malta," he said. "The Maltese Premier League is the same level as the Nigerian, but players who play for big clubs abroad are given priority."