The contract of Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has been terminated by Barnsley due to his lack of discipline at the club.
Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane confirms Nigeria midfielder Kelechi Nwakali is free to leave before the transfer window closes. Kelechi Nwakali was dropped after returning late from holiday and has been left out of recent matchday squads.
Nwakali resumed late for pre-season training after spending his post-season holiday in Nigeria and was excluded from the team for preparation games. He was previously suspended for punching an opponent. According to Barnsley Chronicles, his delayed resumption was due to a family matter, but it will eventually cost him his future at the third-tier English club.
The former U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner was sacked by Spanish club Huesca for a similar offence, which is gradually becoming a habit. The midfielder’s brother, Chidiebere Nwakali, was sacked at Kalmar FF for a similar offence.
He endured difficult months at the Spanish club after returning late from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. It took the intervention of the players’ union to resolve the incident, but the club terminated his contract afterwards.
Kelechi Nwakali has seen the following controversies in his career
Visa/work permit issues post-Arsenal signing (2016) led to loans and inactivity, nearly derailing his progress.In 2022, he alleged SD Huesca sacked him for Afcon participation; club claimed mutual termination.2024: GD Chaves filed disciplinary action for phone use on bench during a key match.Latest: Sacked by Barnsley FC (2025) for late holiday return and other issues.
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