Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has completed a move to Cypriot top-flight club PAC Omonia 29, beginning a new chapter in his career following his departure from English side Barnsley.
Sports247 reports that Nwakali mutually terminated his contract with Barnsley before completing the move to Cyprus, where he will compete in the Cyprus First Division, the country’s top tier.
The transfer sees the 28-year-old midfielder link up with fellow Nigerian international Francis Uzoho, who recently joined the Cypriot club, further strengthening the Nigerian presence within the squad ahead of the new season.
For Nwakali, the move represents an opportunity to regain consistency and rediscover the form that once made him one of Nigeria’s highly rated young midfield prospects.
The midfielder rose to prominence after playing a key role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where his performances earned him the Golden Ball award. He subsequently moved to Europe and has featured for several clubs during his professional career.
However, his journey has been marked by periods of limited playing time and changes in clubs, making regular football an important factor at this stage of his career.
A move to PAC Omonia 29 could provide Nwakali with the platform to establish himself as an important player, regain confidence and demonstrate his qualities on a consistent basis.
At 28, the midfielder still has several productive years ahead of him and will be hoping that his latest move can help revive his career and put him back on an upward trajectory.
Regular appearances, strong performances and improved consistency could potentially open the door to another move in the future, including a return to a more competitive European league.
His reunion with Uzoho could also provide an additional layer of familiarity as both Nigerians settle into their new surroundings. For now, the focus will be on adapting quickly to Cypriot football and making an immediate impact for his new club.
