Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali is in troubled waters again after being expelled in a U21 match against Birmingham City Academy on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old was sent off after throwing a punch at a Birmingham City player during a scuffle in the 78th minute of the game, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Nwakali was part of the Barnsley U21 team for the match, which was supposed to help him get back to full fitness before the incident occurred.
He has only featured twice for the main team this season, contributing one assist after making the move to the League One side this summer.
It remains to be seen if disciplinary measures will be taken against the FIFA U17 World Cup winner by his club in the coming days.
Kelechi Nwakali’s disciplinary record
The midfielder's career has been marred by one controversy after another since his move to Europe, which from the beginning was surrounded by disputes.
He has bounced around various clubs since signing with Arsenal, never finding a regular home before joining Barnsley in hopes of resurrecting his career at 26.
In 2022, he was released by Spanish side SD Huesca for “disciplinary issues.”
Nwakali claimed he was dismissed because he defied the club’s wishes and participated in the Africa Cup of Nations.
At his last club, CD Chaves in Portugal, he also faced trouble. After being substituted at half-time against Famalicão, cameras caught the midfielder using his phone while on the bench.
Chaves lost the game 1-0.
The result contributed to Chaves’ relegation and played a role in his departure from the club.
With this latest episode, he may face repercussions from both the league and his club as his disciplinary record continues to grow.
