Super Eagles midfielder joins Spanish Second Division side

Super Eagles midfielder has teamed up with a Spanish second division side after staying clubless for some months

Kelechi Nwakali has teamed up with Ponferradina months after his contract was terminated by SD Huesca.

Nwakali last played professional football in April after his contractual issues with Huesca.

A statement by the Spanish club on Thursday revealed the details of the contract and their expectations of the player.

“Kelechi Nwakali (Owerri, Nigeria, 1998) is a new player for SD Ponferradina. The new Blue and White midfielder will thus continue his career in LaLiga SmartBank, in which he has competed in the last two seasons with AD Alcorcón and SD Huesca.

“Kelechi began his career at the Diamond Football Academy in his country. His qualities caught the attention of Arsenal FC, who signed him for their under-23 team in 2016. Later, he played on loan at MVV Maastrich in the second division of the Netherlands and at VVV Venlo, with whom he competed in the Dutch top flight.

“In the 18-19 campaign he joined FC Porto, who enrolled him in their B team. For the following campaign he departed Arsenal FC and began his career in Spanish football. SD Huesca signed him which saw the club gain promotion to LaLiga Santander.

“After making his debut in the top flight in the 20/21 season, in the winter market of that year he joined AD Alcorcón on loan, where he became a regular starter and participated in 18 games. Last season, back at SD Huesca, he played in 19 league games and 2 Copa del Rey games. In addition, he is a full international with Nigeria,” the club statement read.

Nwakali’s contractual dispute with Huesca led to his exit from the club as he claimed relationships got severed following his insistence on being at the AFCON.