2015 FIFA U17 World Cup best player, Nwakali delighted to join League One side, Barnsley

Once described as the perfect successor to former Super Eagles captain, Austin JayJay Okocha, Kelechi Nwakali says he is delighted to take his football to the third tier of English football after he signed for League One side, Barnsley.

Named the best player at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile where Victor emerged top scorer with 10 goals and Nigeria won their fifth FIFA U17 title, the 26 year old signed a three-year deal from the Portuguese side after making 32 appearances in the Primeira Liga last season.

‘I am very happy to sign for Barnsley Football Club. I spoke to Mladen and the Head Coach Darrell earlier in the summer and I knew that this was an exciting opportunity for me, I know I can bring a lot to the team. I am looking forward to being back in England and making Oakwell my home for the next three years,’ said the Nigerian.

Meanwhile, Barnsley are delighted to confirm the signing of Nigerian International midfielder for an undisclosed fee subject to visa and international clearance.

‘There is no doubt that Kelechi is a really talented player who can offer Darrell something different. We knew that the player wanted to return to England and that gave us an opportunity to bring him to Oakwell and we believe his experience playing in some of Europe’s top leagues will benefit us over the coming years.

‘He has had a shortened pre-season and we’ll ease him into first team action over the coming weeks,’ Sporting Director Mladen Sormaz said.