OFFICIAL: Nigeria midfielder Kelechi Nwakali joins Barnsley

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Barnsley has confirmed the signing of Nigerian International midfielder Kelechi Nwakali from G.D Chaves for an undisclosed fee subject to visa and international clearance.

Before joining the English third-tier outfit, the 26-year-old arrives at Oakwell on a three-year deal from the Portuguese side after making 32 appearances in the Primeira Liga last term.

Kelechi started his career at Arsenal after impressing the Gunners at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup where he won the Golden Ball award as the best player in the tournament.

After various loan spells across Europe, Nwakali joined La Liga side Huesca in 2019 and went on to play for Alcorcón and Ponferradina in Spain before joining Chaves in 2023.

“I am very happy to sign for Barnsley Football Club,” Nwakali said after completing his switch to the EFL League One team.

”I spoke to Mladen and Head Coach Darrell earlier in the summer, and I knew that this was an exciting opportunity for me; I know I can bring a lot to the team.”

The skillful midfield player represented Nigeria at various youth levels before gaining his first full cap in 2022 at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Kelechi came off the bench for The Super Eagles in wins against Egypt and Sudan in the group stages before starting the final game against Guinea-Bissau, with the Nigerian side running out 2-0 winners.

Unfortunately, the team bowed out in the Round of 16 of the tournament under Augustine Eguavoen.