The Comeback Story of a Former Arsenal Wonderkid

Kelechi Nwakali, once a promising starlet from Arsenal’s ranks, is finally enjoying his moment of glory in England, proving that perseverance pays off. The Super Eagles midfielder has been named Barnsley’s Goal of the Month winner for December, a significant milestone in his evolving career.

Nwakali’s journey at Barnsley hasn’t been smooth sailing. After joining the club last summer, he initially struggled for game time. However, the tides began to turn with the new year. The 25-year-old has now featured in six of Barnsley’s last seven matches, including a pivotal game against Exeter City.

In that match, Nwakali scored a stunning goal, helping his team secure a 2-1 victory at St. James’ Park. The goal ended Barnsley’s three-game losing streak and sparked a remarkable turnaround as they went on to win three of their next four games.

Fans have taken notice of Nwakali’s growing impact, with his performances earning him admiration and a rising reputation at the club. His December goal has now etched his name in Barnsley’s records as a fan-favorite moment, securing the Goal of the Month award.

The Nigerian midfielder is no stranger to accolades, having captained Nigeria to victory in the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, where he also won the Golden Ball. But despite his early promise, Nwakali’s career took a detour. Signed by Arsenal in 2016, he struggled to break into the first team, going on multiple loan spells before departing in 2019.

Stints in Spain with Huesca, Alcorcón, Ponferradina, and Chaves followed, but it is at Barnsley where he seems to have found stability. With consistent performances in League One, Nwakali is poised to help Barnsley push for promotion to the Championship.

The midfielder remains ambitious, with dreams of moving to a bigger club in the near future. For now, though, his focus is on delivering for Barnsley and proving that his best years are still ahead.