Kelechi Nwakali ends seven-month goal drought with stunning strike

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigeria international Kelechi Nwakali ended a seven-month goal drought as Barnsley secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Exeter City on Saturday.

The midfielder, who last found the back of the net for Casa Pia in their 3-1 loss to Chaves in Portugal on April 27, 2024, finally broke his scoring silence with a stunning goal for his new club.

Nwakali’s strike came just after the break, as Barnsley leveled the score following Exeter City’s early 13th-minute lead from a deflected free-kick.

The 25-year-old picked up the ball outside the box and unleashed a powerful shot into the bottom left corner, sending Barnsley fans into raptures. Eight minutes later, Davis Keillor-Dunn scored the winner, completing the comeback for Barnsley.

This goal not only ended Nwakali’s long drought but also marked his first league start for Barnsley.

Having joined the club on a three-year deal this summer from Portuguese side Casa Pia, Nwakali was handed the opportunity to start by manager Darrell Clarke after Adam Phillips was suspended.

The former Arsenal player’s goal proved vital in Barnsley’s promotion push, as the victory helped them maintain momentum in their quest for a return to the Championship.

For Nwakali, the strike was an important personal achievement, signaling the start of what he hopes will be a successful chapter in his career with Barnsley.