Childhood idol? Kanu. Biggest fear? Death – Super Eagles star reveals all in ‘Get to know me’ challenge

The Nigerian international has been one of the country’s brightest shining lights in the Spanish Segunda Division

Ponferradina and Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has provided insights into his personal preferences away from the football pitch.

Nwakali shared his thoughts on a wide range of topics during an interesting Q&A session tagged the ‘Get To Know Me’ with the NFF Media Team.

The former Arsenal ace revealed that his football idol since childhood had been Gunners legend Nwankwo Kanu.

Nwakali also confessed his fear of death, his nervousness when playing for the Super Eagles, and his preference for Nigerian movies.

Below is the excerpt from the chat:

Media Team: First official boots, and who got them for you?
Kelechi Nwakali: My first boot was from my dad on my birthday in 2005 before he died in 2006.

MT: Who was your childhood idol?
KN: He has been my childhood idol till today – Kanu.

When did you score your first professional goal?
My first professional goal was in 2016 in Holland at Maastricht.

What is your current favourite TV series or film?
I’m not really into movies. I love watching Nigerian movies, though. Comedy. Mr Ibu.

What is your nickname?
Kele

What are you scared of?
Death

Favourite superpower?
If I could choose any power, it would be just disappear.

What makes you nervous?
Losing a match for Nigeria

What was the best moment of your career?
When I was told I was going to play at the Afcon.

What was your favourite play when you were little?
Tell you the truth; there was no time for all those things

What myths did your parents make you believe were true?
When they said if you drink coke and eat mango, you are going to… you understand. I didn’t know all those were all lies.

Nwakali’s career so far

Kelechi Nwakali became prominent when he skippered the Golden Eaglets to lift the 2015 FIFA u-17 World Cup in Chile.

Nwakali moved to Arsenal shortly afterwards and, from there, went on loan at VV Venlo and later Maastricht before leaving permanently for Huesca.

The 24-year-old midfielder was on loan at Alcorcon between January and June last year and soon after had his contract terminated by Huesca.

The Super Eagles ace joined Ponferradina on a free transfer in July. On Sunday, he scored his first goal in almost a year and a half as Ponferradina lost 1-2 at home to Real Zaragoza.

On the international scene, Nwakali was a member of the Nigerian squad that reached the knockout stages of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon earlier this year.

He made his debut for the three-time African champions in the 1-0 win over Egypt on matchday one, replacing Kelechi Iheanacho in the 80th minute.