Kelechi Nwakali Race Against Time?

After his exploits at the 2015 U-17 World Cup in Chile where he was voted as the tournament’s best player, culminating in his move to Premier League giants- Arsenal, many believe the Super Eagles had been guaranteed an emerging talent which was not to be as Kelechi Nwakali’s senior national team dream is still a mirage and frustration seems to be settling in for the former junior international. It emerged recently from his brother and agent, Allwell that the midfielder may switch nationality, though the former Porto player has denied it. However, it only goes to show how much Nwakali’s alleged frustration has grown concerning his continued blank-out of the national team

That Kelechi Nwakali is frustrated as Super Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr, is yet to look at his direction is not expected, most especially when he watches his name sake, Kelechi Iheanacho, whom he captained at the U-17 level starring for the same senior national team that he’s craving for an invitation even at the senior World Cup.

Little wonder his agent and brother, Allwell has said he would be changing nationality.
Allwell, the elder brother of Nigerian attacking midfielder, Kelechi Nwakali, has claimed that other nations have approached the player over a possible switch of international allegiance.
Nwakali famously led Nigeria’s U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, to their age-group World Cup title in 2015 and won the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player.

Despite his success at the junior levels, the 22-year-old has played only once for the senior national team, scoring in a ‘B Team’ friendly against Atletico Madrid in Uyo in 2018.
Nwakali has been on the books of Premier League giants Arsenal, as well as MVV Maastricht, VVV Venlo, Porto and is currently on loan at Spanish side Alcoron from Huesca. The Nigerian has registered four goals in 15 league appearances in the Spanish second tier this season.
Allwell explained that his brother has Nigeria in his heart, but will consider all offers put to him by other nations.

“Some agents of foreign countries have approached Kelechi for a switch of allegiance so he would play for their national teams,” the elder Nwakali is quoted by Vanguard.
“Well, I cannot confirm if he has given it a consideration because I know his wish to play for the Super Eagles. He is still studying the proposals and has yet to take a decision.

“For a player who wrote the name of Nigeria in global football by winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2015 as captain of the team, Nigeria is in his heart.”
Meanwhile, Kelechi has released a statement on reports that he plans to switch international allegiances away from Nigeria.

Nwakali has always represented Nigeria in his international youth career so far.
Yet the midfielder hasn’t made his senior debut, meaning he’s technically still eligible for a switch. The player’s older brother Allwell 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.”

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.

The midfielder burst into the limelight in the 2015 U-17 World Cup where helped he Nigeria win the title, scooping the Golden Ball award of the tournament in the process.
Besides representing Nigeria at the U-17 level, he has also played for the U-20 side and currently has one cap for the Super Eagles.

Nwakali will hope to play more prominently for his club in order to boost his chances with the three-time African champions.
The once-capped Nigerian international never played a senior game for the Gunners, but tasted some first-team action during loan spells away from the club.

In his short career, Nwakali spent time with MVV Maastricht (twice), VVV Venlo and FC Porto B. He has racked up a total of 80 career appearances so far. But his future at Arsenal looks bleak.
Born on June 5, 1998, Nwakali started his career at the Diamond Football Academy and after his performances at 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, in which he won the Golden Ball Award, he signed with English Premier League side, Arsenal.