Nigerian midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has won the Goal of the Month award for December.
Barnsley fans voted Nwakali’s strike against Exeter City as the best of the past month.
It was the midfielder’s first goal for Barnsley.
Nwakali was presented his award by Reds fan and boxer, Callum Simpson.
Kelechi Nwakali is now a lot fitter and sharper after he turned on a Man-of-the-Match performance for Barnsley to record a big win at Exeter City.
Barnsley boss Darrell Clarke praised the Super Eagles midfielder, who drew the team level in the second half with his first goal in England before they went on to edge it 2-1.
It was Nwakali’s first full debut for ‘The Reds’ after he shone in a couple of cameo appearances.
“He played really well,” Clarke remarked. “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.”
However, the Barnsley manager was not pleased with his team’s overall performance particularly in the first half.
“It was bitter-sweet,” he said. “We deserved the win, but we performed miles better in the last five, six games than we did.
“But it was a big three points for us.”
Barnsley are now seventh in the English League One standings with 30 points from 20 matches.
FORMER U-17 World Cup-winning skipper, Kelechi Nwakali could be the next Nigerian player to make a move in the transfer market following strong interests from a host of clubs around Europe, AOIFootball.com can authoritatively confirm.
The 22-year-old player, who has been training at parent club Arsenal since the start of the pre-season was hopeful of a chance with the Gunners ahead of the 2019/2020 season but following his inability to secure a work permit, the midfielder could now seek fresh challenges elsewhere.
AOIFootball.com can, however, confirm authoritatively that the attacking midfielder is, however, not short of suitors as a host of top clubs in Spain, Netherlands and Belgium have now indicated their interest in landing the Nigerian permanently.
But inside sources have it that the Gunners would rather fancy a loan move for him as they see potentials rather than sell him off or could insert a buy-back clause in his contract should he leave permanently to another club.
Nwakali no doubt has the potential to be one of the leading lights in the Eagles midfield having showed a glimpse of it when he lead the midfield against Atletico Madrid in a friendly match last year in Uyo and also wowed the fans in Asaba to help the Dream Team VI reach the final round of the U-23 AFCON qualifiers.
Read Also: 2018 Diamond Cup: Foreign scouts seek next Nwakali
New Super Eagles recruit, Kelechi Nwakali tells MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN about his fond relationship with legendary Nwankwo Kanu as well as his yet to be fulfilled dreams. Enjoy…
Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu has yet been praised for his stirring roles in shaping the career of many youngsters even as youngster Kelechi Nwakali poured encomiums on the erstwhile captain of the Super Eagles for being his father-figure
“I must thank Nwankwo Kanu for being like a father to me all this while,” Nwakali who celebrated his 20th anniversary on 5th June, told The Nation. “He calls me almost every day; telling me what I needed to do in order to improve my game.
“ He’s always reminding me about being disciplined and dedicated to the game. He’s more than a brother; I really appreciate all his contributions so far towards my success as a professional footballer.”
Three years ago, Nwakali was the cynosure of all eyes when he led the Golden Eaglets to win a record fifth title at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 and was personally rewarded with the Golden Ball Award as the overall best player of the tournament.
It was on the strength of his performance in Chile that he was immediately snapped up by English Premier League side, Arsenal on a five-year deal.
He was later sent to MVV Maastricht and VVV Venlo to gain valuable experience in the Dutch league from where he signed on a season-long loan deal with FC Porto in the Summer.
“I really thank God that I have been given the opportunity to come down to FC Porto and I want to continue to work hard in order to fulfil my dream as professional footballer ,” he explained.“ But I really want to thank Mikel Agu who has helped me to settle down well in Porto; he has done more than a friend and I really appreciate all his efforts so far since I arrived in Portugal.”
According to Nwakali, Porto is not yet his final destination with his eyes still firmly focussed on turning out for his parent club at the Emirates in the foreseeable future.
He offered: “I had good experience playing in Holland because I had the opportunities of playing in different positions but It is still my dream to play for Arsenal.
“I believe doing well with FC Porto and playing for Super Eagles would on the long run, help in getting the opportunity to play for Arsenal in the future.”
The romance between Arsenal and Nwakali seemed to have been made in heaven and the lad is never tired speaking enthusiastically about his love for his adorable Gunners.
“From a young age, I’ve dreamt of playing for Arsenal,” Nwakali enthused in a file interview with our correspondent. “I think God made it easy for me to join them because that has been my dream team.
“It is true that everybody thought that I would join Manchester City because of my brother (Chidiebere Nwakali) but I have always admired Arsenal; I have always loved Arsenal; they have always been my dream team.
” Since my tender age, I have always admired them; and watching clips of players like Thierry Henry, Patrick Viera, Kanu Nwankwo and others made me to love the club even more.
“(Nwankwo) Kanu called me [after the U-17 World Cup] and said Arsenal wanted me; that the boss [Arsene Wenger] called him about me,” he told Goal. “He’s [Kanu] has been my mentor, a brother and a friend. He advised me to go and develop and prove who I am.”
The erstwhile captain of Nigeria U-17 and U-20 youth teams, has overtime impressed everyone with his smooth skills and he earned further credits last June with the Super Eagles B team in an exhibition match against visiting Atletico Madrid at the Uyo International Stadium where he scored a screamer to the delight of everyone.
Yet he would be the first to admit that there is more work to be done in the days ahead: “Being regarded as one of the upcoming players in Nigeria is a sort of motivation for me.
“I would do my best anytime I’m called upon to play for Nigeria because getting a call up to the Super Eagles is also a dream comes true for me; but it’s also a big challenge and it’s left to me to embrace this challenge.
“It is not enough to just be part of the team rather, I want to get the opportunity to play and represent Nigeria very well and I believe with hard work and humility, I will achieve this dream.”
Interestingly, the lad’s humble beginning is rooted at ASJ Academy in his native community in Eastern Nigeria but he has acquired more tricks as a loanee from Arsenal to MVV Maastricht and VVV Venlo in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Armed with this savoir-faire, Nwakali said he was ready for greater responsibility with the Super Eagles: “Sincerely, I was not disappointed that I did not make the Super Eagles’ squad to the Russia 2018 World Cup because I believe I still have enough time to prove myself.
“The Russia 2018 World Cup is gone; I’m ready to contribute my quota anytime I’m given the opportunity to play for the Super Eagles and I pray more of such opportunities will come as we fight for ticket to the 2019 AFCON.
“It has always been my dream to be one of the top players in Nigeria and in the world. With all concentration and discipline I can do it; it is an achievable dream.
“ I can follow the footsteps of others who had done that in the past and I want to reassure Nigerians that I will always give my best whenever I’m called upon to play for the Super Eagles,” he reitreated as he speaks on sundry issues.
On best career moments so far
My best moment was captain the U-17 team to win the World Cup in Chile; you asked if it’s my dream to captain the Super Eagles? I will rather say I will come to pass if it’s my destiny to captain the Super Eagles. I have been having good moments in my career; captaining the U-17; moving to Arsenal and lately being called into the Super Eagles and all these have added value to my career and I’m very happy about the progression.
On future dreams
My other dreams that are yet to materialized are many; I’m just starting my career and it’s like I have not started at all. One of my dreams is to be Nigeria’s greatest footballer and it’s not just saying it but to work for it. I believe with hard work and humility, I will achieve my dreams.
On first official call up to the Super Eagles
It’s a great excitement for me to be called up to the Super Eagles; I felt so excited the same way I felt when we won the U-17 World Cup. It has always been my wish to see that any Nigerian team do well and I will be ready to contribute my quota to ensure that the Super Eagles qualify for the next Africa Cup of Nations in 2019
Words for adoring fans
I want my fans to know that I love them because I get lots of encouraging messages from them and sometimes I do get some critical messages too; but I want my fans to know that I’ll always do my best for the country and I will strive to make them proud; by the grace of God, everything good will be achieved.
On living in Europe
Nigeria is not like Europe, so it’s a difficult place to survive. You have to work hard to get what you want. Both my mum and dad played important roles before I got to where I am today. I lost my dad in 2006. He was a big Arsenal fan, a diehard Arsenal fan and he and my mother contributed a lot, buying boots, jerseys and taking me to training.
New Super Eagles recruit, Kelechi Nwakali tells MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN about his fond relationship with legendary Nwankwo Kanu as well as his yet to be fulfilled dreams. Enjoy…
Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu has yet been praised for his stirring roles in shaping the career of many youngsters even as youngster Kelechi Nwakali poured encomiums on the erstwhile captain of the Super Eagles for being his father-figure
“I must thank Nwankwo Kanu for being like a father to me all this while,” Nwakali who celebrated his 20th anniversary on 5th June, told The Nation. “He calls me almost every day; telling me what I needed to do in order to improve my game.
“He’s always reminding me about being disciplined and dedicated to the game. He’s more than a brother; I really appreciate all his contributions so far towards my success as a professional footballer.”
Three years ago, Nwakali was the cynosure of all eyes when he led the Golden Eaglets to win a record fifth title at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 and was personally rewarded with the Golden Ball Award as the overall best player of the tournament.
It was on the strength of his performance in Chile that he was immediately snapped up by English Premier League side, Arsenal on a five-year deal.
He was later sent to MVV Maastricht and VVV Venlo to gain valuable experience in the Dutch league from where he signed on a season-long loan deal with FC Porto in the Summer. 
“I really thank God that I have been given the opportunity to come down to FC Porto and I want to continue to work hard in order to fulfil my dream as professional footballer ,” he explained.“ But I really want to thank Mikel Agu who has helped me to settle down well in Porto; he has done more than a friend and I really appreciate all his efforts so far since I arrived in Portugal.”
According to Nwakali, Porto is not yet his final destination with his eyes still firmly focussed on turning out for his parent club at the Emirates in the foreseeable future.
He offered: “I had good experience playing in Holland because I had the opportunities of playing in different positions but It is still my dream to play for Arsenal.
“I believe doing well with FC Porto and playing for Super Eagles would on the long run, help in getting the opportunity to play for Arsenal in the future.”
The romance between Arsenal and Nwakali seemed to have been made in heaven and the lad is never tired speaking enthusiastically about his love for his adorable Gunners.
“From a young age, I’ve dreamt of playing for Arsenal,” Nwakali enthused in a file interview with our correspondent. “I think God made it easy for me to join them because that has been my dream team.
“It is true that everybody thought that I would join Manchester City because of my brother (Chidiebere Nwakali) but I have always admired Arsenal; I have always loved Arsenal; they have always been my dream team.
“Since my tender age, I have always admired them; and watching clips of players like Thierry Henry, Patrick Viera, Kanu Nwankwo and others made me to love the club even more.
“(Nwankwo) Kanu called me [after the U-17 World Cup] and said Arsenal wanted me; that the boss [Arsene Wenger] called him about me,” he told Goal. “He’s [Kanu] has been my mentor, a brother and a friend. He advised me to go and develop and prove who I am.”
The erstwhile captain of Nigeria U-17 and U-20 youth teams, has overtime impressed everyone with his smooth skills and he earned further credits last June with the Super Eagles B team in an exhibition match against visiting Atletico Madrid at the Uyo International Stadium where he scored a screamer to the delight of everyone.
Yet he would be the first to admit that there is more work to be done in the days ahead: “Being regarded as one of the upcoming players in Nigeria is a sort of motivation for me.
“I would do my best anytime I’m called upon to play for Nigeria because getting a call up to the Super Eagles is also a dream comes true for me; but it’s also a big challenge and it’s left to me to embrace this challenge.
“It is not enough to just be part of the team rather, I want to get the opportunity to play and represent Nigeria very well and I believe with hard work and humility, I will achieve this dream.”
Interestingly, the lad’s humble beginning is rooted at ASJ Academy in his native community in Eastern Nigeria but he has acquired more tricks as a loanee from Arsenal to MVV Maastricht and VVV Venlo in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Armed with this savoir-faire, Nwakali said he was ready for greater responsibility with the Super Eagles: “Sincerely, I was not disappointed that I did not make the Super Eagles’ squad to the Russia 2018 World Cup because I believe I still have enough time to prove myself.
“The Russia 2018 World Cup is gone; I’m ready to contribute my quota anytime I’m given the opportunity to play for the Super Eagles and I pray more of such opportunities will come as we fight for ticket to the 2019 AFCON.
“It has always been my dream to be one of the top players in Nigeria and in the world. With all concentration and discipline I can do it; it is an achievable dream.
“I can follow the footsteps of others who had done that in the past and I want to reassure Nigerians that I will always give my best whenever I’m called upon to play for the Super Eagles,” he reitreated as he speaks on sundry issues.
On best career moments so far
My best moment was captain the U-17 team to win the World Cup in Chile; you asked if it’s my dream to captain the Super Eagles? I will rather say I will come to pass if it’s my destiny to captain the Super Eagles. I have been having good moments in my career; captaining the U-17; moving to Arsenal and lately being called into the Super Eagles and all these have added value to my career and I’m very happy about the progression.
On future dreams
My other dreams that are yet to materialized are many; I’m just starting my career and it’s like I have not started at all. One of my dreams is to be Nigeria’s greatest footballer and it’s not just saying it but to work for it. I believe with hard work and humility, I will achieve my dreams.
On first official call up to the Super Eagles
It’s a great excitement for me to be called up to the Super Eagles; I felt so excited the same way I felt when we won the U-17 World Cup. It has always been my wish to see that any Nigerian team do well and I will be ready to contribute my quota to ensure that the Super Eagles qualify for the next Africa Cup of Nations in 2019
Words for adoring fans
I want my fans to know that I love them because I get lots of encouraging messages from them and sometimes I do get some critical messages too; but I want my fans to know that I’ll always do my best for the country and I will strive to make them proud; by the grace of God, everything good will be achieved.
On living in Europe
Nigeria is not like Europe, so it’s a difficult place to survive. You have to work hard to get what you want. Both my mum and dad played important roles before I got to where I am today. I lost my dad in 2006. He was a big Arsenal fan, a diehard Arsenal fan and he and my mother contributed a lot, buying boots, jerseys and taking me to training.
NIGERIAN youth international, Kelechi Nwakali is set to return to Arsenal after the expiration of his season-long loan deal with Holland Second Division side MVV Maastricht, AOIFootball.com reports.
The former U-17 World Cup Golden Ball winner took to the social media to thank fans, players and staff members of the club for a time well spent.
“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the people of Maastricht and the fans of MVV for their support and love showed to me. I wish you people goodluck. Hopefully, you people will get promoted next season.
God bless you all. You people are wonderful,” Nwakali said. Nwakali, who played 16 times for the club and scored four goals, joined Arsenal shortly after his U-17 World Cup heroics. He will be hoping to finally get a chance to feature for the club under the incoming new management.
After an impressive performance for MVV Maastricht in the Eerste Divisie, Nigeria precocious talent, Kelechi Nwakali is giddy with optimism about his future and where lies his priorities in the short and long term, reports MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN.
Despite posting a commanding performance in only his first season in Europe on a season loan to Dutch side, MVV Maastricht in the Eerste Divisie from the Emirates, Nigeria U-17 World Cup-winning captain in 2013, Kelechi Nwakali said he was looking forward returning to his parent club.
Every season it has reportedly being the practice of the English Premier League club to send its ‘young Turks’ to clubs in Europe to gain valuable experience and Nwakali report card with Maastricht was the best amongst his contemporaries.
Last September, he made his professional debut for the side against Jong Ajax as a 92nd-minute substitute for Thomas Verheijdt in a game won by MVV won 1–0 and he has not looked back ever since.
Today, can be an icing on the cake for Nwakali if the club can grind any score draw away to Roda JC at the Parkstad Limburg Stadion to secure promotion into the elite Dutch Eredivisie.
“The season has been a great one for and I’m happy about what I have been able to do in only my first season in Europe out on loan from Arsenal to Maastricht,” the 18-year-old Nwakali told Sport & Style. “I’m happy I was picked as the best Arsenal loaned player this season and this is going to challenge me to even do more.”
He added: “But Sunday can be the most important day for me if we can secure promotion; we just need to avoid defeat and get any score draw against Roda; the man would be an interesting because that is the club of Abdul Jeleel Ajagun.”
In the period under review, Nwakali who was the Most Valuable Player at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile two years ago, joined the Gunners from ASJ Academy on a five-year deal before being farmed out to the Dutch second tier side; where he made some 30 appearances and was rewarded with MVP in five matches- the best performance by any Arsenal loaned players this season. a
“Of course, this is all about hard work but I really want to thank God for blessing my effort because it was difficult for me initially when told I will be going out on loan after I signed for Arsenal,” he explained. “But I have gained so much experience here with Maastricht and this will assist my career.”
Picked as one of the ‘NxGn: The top 50 teenage talents’ Nwakali in an interview with Goal spoke about how well he had settled away from London.
“It’s good living in Maastricht. A small city and quiet – a big difference from Arsenal,” he stated. “London is a big city compared to Maastricht but what matters is my adaption because I’m a footballer and I think our life is all about travelling.”
Following his stellar performance with Maastricht, Nwakali is optimistic that bigger responsibility is on his way: “It is the joy of any young player to be given bigger responsibility and I’m the type that love to be given additional responsibility, it can only make me a better player but my future is with God and of course with Arsenal.
“I have enjoyed my first season on loan at Maastricht but I cannot decide where I’m going to be playing next season, that decision lies with Arsenal; I’m their player and they are the one to decide on what happens to be career now and in the future.
“But I’m eagerly looking forward to the opportunity of playing for Arsenal as soon as the club know that is the best option for me,” he said.
The romance between Arsenal and Nwakali seemed to have been made in heaven and the lad is never tired speaking enthusiastically about his love for the Gunners.
He explained in a file interview with Sport & Style after he signed for them last Summer: “From a young age, I’ve dreamt of playing for Arsenal and I think God made it easy for me because that has been my dream team. It has always been a dream to play for Arsenal and it’s my prayers that everything works out well
“It is true that everybody thought that I would join Manchester City because of my brother (Chidiebere Nwakali) but I have always admired Arsenal; I have always loved Arsenal; they have always been my dream team.
” Since my tender age, I have always admired them; and watching clips of players like Thierry Henry, Patrick Viera, Kanu Nwankwo and most recently the likes of, Sanchez and others has made me to love the club even more.
” It was a big privilege to have won the World Cup in Chile and being voted the best player but that is not the end for me; it is just the starting point for more hard work; many people are expecting me to do even better and this has always been my aim too.
” Coach Emmanuel Amuneke (Nwakali’s mentor at the U-17 & U-20) used to tell me that consistent good performance can make me a great player and that I can make it by working hard and by being disciplined; and I know with God, everything is possible because I have faith and trust in him,” he stated even as he narrated recently other factor that led him to his dream club.
“(Nwankwo) Kanu called me [after the U-17 World Cup] and said Arsenal wanted me; that the boss [Arsene Wenger] called him about me,” he told Goal. “He’s [Kanu] been my mentor, a brother and a friend. He advised me to go and develop and prove who I am.
“Arsenal have a lot of players and the only way you can play for the first team is through hard work; I play as a No.10 and as No.8 but, since I’ve come to Holland, I’ve been playing as a right winger.
“It’s my first time in that position but the coach decided that I should play there. As a young player, I have a lot to offer – but it’s all about timing. The most important thing is that I believe I have the ability to play in a lot of positions.”
“Going from Nigeria to Arsenal is a difficult task because a lot of young players want to go to England. It’s all about determination and hard work. I went to Chile and played as the captain, won the trophy and best player award. It was a very big platform for me to continue my career.
“Nigeria is not like Europe, so it’s a difficult place to survive. You have to work hard to get what you want. Both my mum and dad played important roles before I got to where I am today.
“I lost my dad in 2006. He was a big Arsenal fan, a diehard Arsenal fan and he and my mother contributed a lot, buying boots, jerseys and taking me to training,” he narrated.
Yet Nwakali said he wants to get his priority right and future sorted in order to move to the next gear despite being by passed in the new-look Super Eagles being put together by Franco-German coach, Gernot Rohr
“My first priority is and would always be to play for Arsenal,” he reiterated last week in an interview with our correspondent. “I’m not thinking about the fact that I have not been able to play for the Super Eagles especially when my friend and former U-17 & U-20 teammate, Victor Osimhen has had the privilege of training with the national team.
“I’m happy for Victor; and I know my time would come once the coach needs me; I have to keep on working hard to become a better player and that is the only way I can be relevant for my club or country, “Nwakali waxed on a philosophical note.
Nigeria U-20 skipper, Kelechi Nwakali has returned to his homeland, Owerri, for a short break.
The attacking midfielder has been granted three days leave by MVV Maastricht and is scheduled to return to the Netherlands on Wednesday, March 1 to resume training with the Eerste Divisie outfit.
Speaking to allnigeriasoccer.com on Sunday afternoon, Arsenal loanee Nwakali said : “I came in on Saturday night from the Netherlands, I will return on Wednesday. The holiday is for three days. ”
Nwakali’s generosity has been praised by his former club ASJ Academy after he donated six sets of jerseys, training kits, 18 pairs of boots, training cones and corner flags shortly after his arrival in Nigeria.
The former Golden Eaglets sensation was in action on Friday night as MVV suffered their biggest loss of the season to SC Cambuur.
Nigeria U-20 skipper, Kelechi Nwakali, will make his professional debut against Ajax Amsterdam on Friday night.
Ajax was one of the teams that showed interest in the midfielder before he signed a five-year deal with English Premier League (EPL) giants, Arsenal, in the summer.
Nwakali arrived in the Netherlands last Saturday and has since resumed training, playing the first half of the youth team’s 0-2 defeat to Jong FC Eindhoven in a scrimmage held on Monday, allnigeriasocce.com reports.
Arsenal has confirmed that Nigeria U-20 skipper, Kelechi Nwakali, will be shipped out on loan to gain European football experience.
“Kelechi, who joined us as a young professional, will look to gain experience with a loan move in the coming months,” africanFootball.com quoted the English Premier League (EPL) club as saying on its official website Friday.
Nwakali was best player at last year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.