Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali is close to joining Cypriot First Division club PAC Omonia after leaving English side Barnsley, with the Nigerian seeking a fresh start in Cyprus.
Nwakali mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Barnsley, allowing him to become a free agent and paving the way for his proposed move to the Cypriot club.
The midfielder rose to prominence in 2015 when he captained Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets to FIFA U-17 World Cup glory in Chile. His outstanding performances earned him the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player and attracted interest from Arsenal.
However, administrative complications, including a work-permit issue, prevented Nwakali from making a senior appearance for the Gunners. He subsequently spent time on loan with MVV Maastricht, VVV-Venlo and Porto B before securing permanent transfers to Huesca, Alcorcón and Ponferradina in Spain, and later Chaves in Portugal.
Nwakali joined Barnsley in August last year but has now brought his spell with the English club to an end.
The proposed move to PAC Omonia represents another opportunity for the 24-year-old to revive his career and establish himself in the Cypriot top flight.