Kelechi Nwakali, once an Arsenal prodigy, has made a return to English football, turning in a Man-of-the-Match performance for Barnsley in their 2-1 victory over Exeter City in League One.
The Nigerian midfielder, now ‘fitter and sharper’ than ever, scored his first goal in England to draw the match level before Barnsley sealed the win.
Nwakali was signed by Arsenal in 2016 from the Diamond Football Academy in Nigeria. His impressive performances at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he captained Nigeria to victory and won the Golden Ball for best player, made him a highly coveted prospect.
Arsenal reportedly beat several European clubs to secure his signature, with Arsène Wenger believed to be a key figure in the decision.
The midfielder’s journey back to England has been a winding one. After leaving Arsenal in 2019, Nwakali embarked on stints with SD Huesca and Ponferradina in Spain before a brief spell at Chaves in Portugal in 2024. In August, he signed with Barnsley, marking a return to English football after several years abroad, although this time he is actually able to play.
Due to the UK’s work permit regulations, Nwakali was unable to play directly for Arsenal and was sent out on various loan spells to gain experience and fulfil the criteria for a work permit which never came.
After this weekend’s game, Barnsley boss Darrell Clarke was full of praise for the Super Eagles star, who made his first full debut for the club after impressing in previous substitute appearances.
“He played really well,” Clarke said. “I am happy with his development. We have put his fitness level up, and now he’s fitter and much sharper. We already know the talent he has technically. He got us kicked off in the second half.”
Nwakali’s goal came at a crucial time, injecting energy into a Barnsley side that had struggled to impose themselves in the first half. Clarke, while satisfied with the win, admitted his team fell short of their recent standards.
“It was bitter-sweet,” Clarke remarked. “We deserved the win, but we’ve performed miles better in the last five, six games than we did today. Still, it was a big three points for us.”
At 26, he appears more mature, combining his technical ability with improved fitness and sharpness. His impact was vital as Barnsley climbed to seventh in the League One standings, with 30 points from 20 matches.
For Nwakali, this could be the start of a promising chapter in his career, as he looks to make a lasting mark in English football and help propel Barnsley toward promotion.