- Source: Ike Orji
Ikechukwu Sunny Smart Orji is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Isthmian League Premier Division club Cray Wanderers.
Career
Orji began his senior career with Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division club Chatham Town in 2019, following time in the academies at both Maidstone United and Chatham Town. In March 2021, Orji went on trial with League One club Gillingham. He was a part of the Chatham squad that were promoted as runners-up from the 2021–22 SCEFL Premier Division.
In January 2023, Orji attracted interest from League Two clubs Crawley Town and Gillingham, joining the latter on 9 February, returning to Chatham Town on loan until the end of the season. Following his return to the club, he played a key role as the club achieved back-to-back promotions as Isthmian League South East Division Champions.
In October 2023, he made his first-team professional debut for Gillingham, featuring in a 5–1 EFL Trophy defeat to Portsmouth, making his first league appearance eleven days later as a 79th minute substitute in a 1–2 loss to Notts County. On 4 December 2023, he joined National League South club Welling United on an initial one-month loan deal. On 16 March 2024 he joined Hemel Hempstead Town, also of the National League South, on loan.
On 15 May 2024, Gillingham announced he would be released in the summer when his contract expired.
On 7 August 2024, following a successful trial, Orji signed for National League South side Chelmsford City. In September 2024, he joined Cray Wanderers.
Style of play
Upon signing for Gillingham, manager Neil Harris described Orji as an "attack-minded wing-back" with "great end product, huge pace and energy", with the Kent Messenger likening Orji's playing style to West Ham United right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Career statistics
As of end of 2023–24 season
References
Kata Kunci Pencarian:
- Daftar pemeran Nigeria
- Daftar tokoh Nigeria
- Ike Orji
- 2023–24 Gillingham F.C. season
- 2024–25 Gillingham F.C. season
- List of Nigerian actors
- Cray Wanderers F.C.
- Orji Uzor Kalu
- 2022–23 Gillingham F.C. season
- List of governors of Abia State
- Abia State
- Ike Ekweremadu
