Barnsley head coach Darrell Clarke has acknowledged that Nigerian midfielder Kelechi Nwakali is making strong progress in his bid for a spot in the first team ahead of the club’s upcoming fixtures against Huddersfield Town in League One and in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.

Nwakali, who joined Barnsley from Portuguese club GD Chaves two months ago, has yet to make his debut for the team. Delays in his work permit and fitness issues prevented him from participating in pre-season training and matchday squads. So far, he has been called up only twice out of a possible twelve across all competitions.

To regain match fitness, the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner has featured in Barnsley’s development squad. His latest appearance in a Professional Development League fixture against Peterborough United saw him score a brilliant goal and strike the woodwork, as Barnsley lost 4-3. Nwakali also won a penalty that was missed by teammate Theo Chapman before being substituted after 65 minutes.

Clarke praised Nwakali’s improved performance, telling Barnsley Chronicle, “He did a lot better the other day. Him and Georgie Gent are pushing. That’s what we want – players pushing for places. The trophy game will be a good opportunity for one or two of them to stake a claim moving forward for the league games.”

Nwakali, who signed a three-year contract with Barnsley, will wear the number 50 jersey for the 2024-2025 season.