Nigeria’s winning captain at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, Kelechi Nwakali has found himself at the crossroads, with piercing questions emerging about the future of his football career, following the termnination of his contract with Barnsley of England.
Sports247 reports that it becomes the third time Nwakali would have his contract terminated by an European club, following earlier setbacks for the 28-year-old midfielder at FC Porto of Portugal and Huesca of Spain, while his loan spell at Alcorcón ended early without a full contract.
The product of Diamond Football Academy of Umuahia also had stormy days during his short term deal at Ponferradina before moving to Chaves in 2023, where he spent a single season, thereby leaving almost all of his clubs under acrimonious circumstances.
Huesca sent him packing for a late return from international duty, though he later claimed it was because he refused to be sold, while Chaves sent him packing after he was spotted using his mobile phone on the substitutes’ bench during a match.
His latest setback marks another implosion for the star who was signed by Arsenal immediately after starring for Nigeria at Chile 2015, but he never got to play a competitive match for The Gunners, who later loaned him to MVV Maastricht and VV Van Venlo of Netherlands as well as FC Porto B of Portugal.
Sadly, it is now back to square one for the Cupid-faced lad, after Barnsley shut the door on him, but the English League One outfit disclosed that he has left by mutual consent, after 30 games across all competitions during his time at Oakwell and a prominent role during the 2024/25 campaign, with 12 league starts.
A statement from the team added, “Barnsley Football Club can confirm that Kelechi Nwakali has departed Oakwell by mutual consent. Nwakali joined the Reds in August 2024, making 30 appearances and scoring one goal. The club wishes Kelechi all the best for the future.”
