Kelechi Nwakali has released a statement on reports that he plans to switch international allegiances away from Nigeria.

Kelechi Nwakali scoring a free-kick for the Nigeria u23s (Photo via CAF)
Kelechi Nwakali scoring a free-kick for the Nigeria u23s (Photo via CAF)

Former Gunner Kelechi Nwakali has always represented Nigeria in his international youth career so far.

It was his performances in winning the u17 World Cup that earned him a move to Arsenal in the first place, and he later progressed to the Nigeria u23s in the 2019 Africa u23 Cup of Nations.

Yet the midfielder hasn’t made his senior debut, meaning he’s technically still eligible for a switch. The player’s older brother Allwell Nwakali reportedly told the media that foreign country agents had approached Kelechi and the player was still “studying the proposals”.

But the former Arsenal man has quickly spoken out to deny this. Writing on his Twitter he said: “Contrary to reports circulating in the media, I remain committed to serving my country.

“It is always an honour to wear the green of Nigeria and it is my dream to continue to do so. I categorically deny these reports and will continue to work hard until I am called upon.

“I am hugely proud to have represented Nigeria at various levels and am grateful to have had these opportunities in my career thus far.

“I have never considered playing for another nation and continuing to play for Nigeria at international level remains my priority and my dream.”

Kelechi Nwakali in training with SD Huesca (Photo via Instagram)
Kelechi Nwakali in training with SD Huesca (Photo via Instagram)

Nwakali is currently contracted to La Liga side SD Huesca, but he went on loan to AD Alcorcon in the Spanish second division in January – in search of regular games.

The 22-year-old has made himself a starter for Alcorcon, featuring in the starting lineup in every single one of their games since he joined in February. He’s also been in good goalscoring form lately, scoring four times in his last seven games.

Arguably, it’s the most successful period of Nwakali’s career since his time on loan from Arsenal with MVV Maastricht between 2016 and 2018. He didn’t play enough with Porto for various reasons, and it’s been a similar story with Huesca so far.

But the Alcorcon loan is providing hope that Nwakali can go back to Huesca and impress next season. It looks like he’ll be hoping for a senior call-up from Nigeria if and when that happens.