“Fired?”: English Club Opens Up on Fate of Alleged Sacked Super Eagles Star
- Barnsley FC coach Conor Hourihane has given an update on the status of Super Eagles player Kelechi Nwakali
- Reports allege that the third-division club sacked the former Nigeria U17 star due to multiple disciplinary issues
- Nigeria football fans and pundits have reacted to the news which emanated from the media in the country
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Kelechi Nwakali has allegedly been told to leave Barnsley FC following multiple disciplinary issues, including lateness to training.
Portuguese side, Chaves filed a disciplinary case against Kelechi Nwakali, who was on his phone on the substitute bench during their home defeat to Famalicao in 2024.
The former Arsenal player was the star player at the 2015 FIFA World U17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Ball in a team that had Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.
Source: Getty Images
What did coach Hourihane say?
In a viral video on X, Barnsley coach Conor Hourihane said the former Nigeria U17 star Kelechi Nwakali is not fired as speculated by the Nigerian media. His contract with the club is actually intact.
The Irish manager said the former Arsenal player is not part of his plans this season, and the plan is to sanction his move to another club, per soccernet. He said:
"Fired? I have not hear any of that.
"He is not involved in the club but the plan will be to move him on this window, and the best scenario, but in terms of being fired, this is the first time I am hearing of it."
Source: Getty Images
Fans react
Nigerian football fans have expressed mixed reactions over the trajectory of the former Nigeria U17 World Cup winner.
@Adelekeayoola1 said:
"I wonder what the real problem is with this guy.
"Wasted prospect — all the best."
@Uzochi_O wrote:
"See how indiscipline destroyed this guy's career. Truly, talent is not enough sometimes.
"Make una train una children well o."
@muyiwhar added:
"Never seen someone so self destructive as kelechi in my Life... Practically use his own hands to destroy everywhere he's played at SMH."
@Iambjhay1 said:
"A promising talent with bad character."
@orjaiski wrote:
"Kelechi Nwakali only requested for a loan move to get more playing time since the coach is not using him often.
"This is similar to what Chilwel, Sterling, Jackson, and the likes are going through in Chelsea."
@Bys1Seun added:
"I've never seen a talented that spiralled downhill like kelechi..in fact the three brothers have been poorly managed from their youth days..but truth be told..its all on him...kelech nwakali was the best player in the world youth championship at some point..so sad."
Nwakali demands for transfer
Super Eagles star Kelechi Nwakali is currently on the radar of English Premier League teams.
According to Sports Boom, the 28-year-old is pushing for a move away from the EFL League One.
Kelechi's agent explained that the player is speaking with teams in England and Spain
Nwakali punches opponent in match
Legit.ng earlier reported that Kelechi Nwakali has largely been a frustrated figure in football, particularly since he departed from Arsenal.
Nwakali was shown a red card after he punched an opponent during the clash between Barnsley U21 and Birmingham City academy.
Source: Legit.ng
