TOCHI CHUKWUANI lives his life by a simple mantra — the comeback will be better than the setback.
Rangers’ new incoming £4million midfielder knows that from experience after his career was turned upside down in 2022.
Chukwuani was on the verge of a big move to Serie A side Hellas Verona from Nordsjaelland when his medical flagged up a minor heart issue.
By the time he went through a small operation, the Italian side had changed coach and the deal was off.
Chukwuani returned home to Denmark and restarted his career with Lyngby, before a switch to Sturm Graz in 2024.
The classy midfielder made his Champions League debut for the Austrian side last term, and his form has attracted major interest.
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Now 22, Denmark under-21 cap Chukwuani is poised to join Gers’ title bid, and is proud of the way he’s worked his way back to the top.
Speaking last year, he said: “As long as you work hard then the comeback should probably be better than the setback.
“I started quite early as a 16-year-old at Nordsjaelland, and I’ve had many bumps along the way.
“That has helped shape me as a player.
“I’ve had tough times — both in Italy and Denmark — and it’s something I’ve been able to use.
“I’ve been through a lot, but when I encounter some tough times I feel like they are not really tough because I’ve had those bumps in the road before.
“It has helped progress me as a player and gives me extra motivation to develop and make myself better and perform on the field.”
The Verona setback was a huge test of character for Chukwuani, but he reckons that the secret to his success since that is simple — hard work.
He could have felt sorry for himself, but was driven to get over that difficult period and get his career back on track.
Chukwuani added: “I wouldn’t be satisfied with myself if I didn’t give 100 per cent in what I do.
“I was like that with chess too. I remember I lost to someone from my school class, and then I started practising it.
“I ended up winning a tournament. But I’m probably best at football!”
Chukwuani was a product of the Right to Dream academy at Nordsjaelland, and was training with the senior team aged 14.
That early exposure to the limelight has probably helped keep him calm amid Rangers’ interest and offer.
Chukwuani said: “I remember there was a bit of talk there was a 14-year-old kid training with the Super League team and that he was supposed to be talented.
“Looking back, it’s been a long road, and sometimes it’s looked difficult.
“But I’ve always had faith that it would come for me.”
Wolves and several French clubs have also been linked with Chukwuani, who was sent off against Celtic for Sturm this season.
And he’s always viewed the interest from bigger clubs as something to embrace.
Chukwuani added: “It’s always good to have interest and that there are people who want me.
“It’s recognition that I have done something right on the field.”
Chukwuani has 20 caps for the Denmark Under-21s, and classes Manchester United ace Patrick Dorgu as one of his close friends.
His rise to prominence comes as no surprise to those who have watched him progress into a powerful midfield presence.
After making his debut for Nordsjaelland at 16, head coach Flemming Pedersen was in no doubt about his potential.
The Lowdown: Tochi Chukwuani
Full Name: Tochi Phil Chukwuani
Date of Birth: 24 March 2003
Age: 22
Place of Birth: Herlev (or Hvidovre), Denmark
Height: 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
Citizenship: Denmark (also holds Nigerian nationality)
Current Club: Sturm Graz (Austrian Bundesliga)
Position: Midfielder (primarily Defensive Midfield or Left Midfield)
Shirt Number: 21
Preferred Foot: Right
FC Nordsjælland (2019–2022): Made his professional debut at age 16, becoming one of the youngest players in Danish Superliga history.
Lyngby BK (2022–2024): Joined after a stint as a free agent; became a regular starter in the Danish top flight.
Sturm Graz (2024–Present): Moved to Austria in the summer of 2024. He played a role in their 2024/25 Bundesliga-winning campaign.
International: Represented Denmark at various youth levels from U16 to U21.
He said: “Tochi will be one of the top players of the future. He is a very visionary player, who can play lightning fast because he sees the possibilities in the game before anyone else.
“In addition, he is equally good with both feet.”
Chukwuani will be brought in by Danny Rohl to bolster Rangers’ squad as they bid to pip Hearts and Celtic to the title.
But the Dane also has plenty of interests away from the pitch — including his own clothing business.
Chukwuani said: “I am very interested in fashion.
“In fact, so much so that alongside my football, I have started the clothing brand Wanzom together with my friend Fiifi.
“We focus on making streetwear clothes in colours that stand out.”
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