KELECHI Nwakali was delighted to finally play a game in English football this week, eight years after first signing for a club in this country, and is hoping to become a regular in the Barnsley side.
The midfielder joined Premier League giants Arsenal on a five-year deal in 2016, having been named Player of the Tournament at the Under 17 World Cup which he helped Nigeria win.
But he never played for the Gunners, partly due to issues with obtaining a visa to work in England.
While appearing four times for the Nigerian senior side, he has spent time at top flight clubs around Europe such as VVV Venlo in the Netherlands, various Portuguese outfits including giants Porto and Huesca in Spain.
The 26-year-old finally obtained an English visa this summer when he joined the Reds from Chaves in Portugal on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Nwakali told the Chronicle: “It has been my passion to play in England.
“I couldn’t play for Arsenal because of the visa which was quite disappointing.
“But now I am back here to prove my worth.”
Nwakali had to wait to play for the Reds, having not had a full pre-season.
He has featured several times for the under 21s then played the full 90 minutes in the EFL Trophy loss at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday.
“It felt good to play.
“Since I came, I played a few games with the 21s and now I have got some minutes with the first team.
“The signing and getting my visa took longer than I wanted, so I wasn’t able to do the pre-season.
“I had to get my fitness up.
“This first game was a stepping stone to me playing many games. It is just about putting in hard work in training.
“The most important thing is to help the team achieve their goal. I think we have what it takes to challenge to go up to the next level. All we need to do is to believe in ourselves and work together as a team.”
Although the midweek cup tie was a poor night for the Reds in general, as they were dominated for most of the match, Nwakali caught the eye with his passing and positive attacking play.
There are plenty of midfielders in the squad but the belief at Oakwell is that a fully-fit Nwakali can provide a different type of option.
“I think I offer something different. We all have different qualities.
“For the coach to bring me into the squad, he believes I have something to offer the team.”
Head coach Darrell Clarke said: “He gives us something different.
“His use of the ball was very very good. He’s taken a fair bit of time to get up to speed but he’s shown what he’s capable of and hopefully he can kick on.”
Nwakali admits he may take time to adapt to the rough and tumble of League One.
“It’s totally different from where I have played. It’s more running and more physicality.
“But, as a player, the most important thing is a willingness to adapt to every situation. Portugal is different to here but I will adapt.”
