Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali scored his first goal since April 27 as Barnsley came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory at Exeter City on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner, who last found the net for Casa Pia in their 3-1 loss to Chaves in Portugal, marked his full league debut with a brilliant 25-yard strike into the bottom left corner five minutes after the break.
Davis Keillor-Dunn scored the winner eight minutes later as The Reds recorded their first come-from-behind victory this season, ending a six-game winless run and moving within a point of the playoff places.
Nwakali, who joined the League One club on a three-year deal in the summer after leaving Portuguese side Casa Pia, was handed his first league start by manager Darrell Clarke in place of suspended Adam Phillips.
The 25-year-old’s goal came after a frustrating first half that saw Josh Magennis give the hosts a 13th-minute lead from a deflected free-kick.
The former Arsenal player has had to be patient for his opportunity in English football, having failed to make an appearance for the Gunners during his three-year stint at the Emirates Stadium due to work permit issues.
After loan spells at MVV Maastricht, VVV Venlo and Porto B, Nwakali finally made his EFL debut as a stoppage-time substitute in Barnsley’s 2-0 win at Shrewsbury Town in October.
“Thanks to God. First goal, three points. Come on you Reds,” Nwakali wrote on his X handle after the match.
The Nigerian midfielder’s stunning strike not only ended his personal goal drought but also helped kickstart Barnsley’s promotion push as they look to return to the Championship.
