Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali was on the scoresheet for the first time in almost two years after finding the back of the net against Casa Pia AC in the Premeira Liga.
The Chaves anchorman’s goal was, however, only good enough for a consolation as the visitors suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat on Saturday.
Nwakali was named in the starting line-up against Casa Pia, playing on the left side of the midfield three that also included Dario Essugo and Raphael Guzzo.
While the 25-year-old was instrumental in helping his side to dominate possession in the middle of the park, it was the hosts who opened the scoring against the run of play.
Duplexe Tchamba put Casa Pia in front late in the first half after being set up by Yuki Soma. Goncalo Santos’ side could not hold on to their lead for long, though, and were pegged back after the hour mark following a brilliant strike by Nwakali.
The Nigeria international received a pass from Ruben Ribeiro on the edge of the box and unleashed a shot from 35 yards that flew into the top corner.
While Nwakali’s goal galvanized Chaves and put them back on the front foot, they couldn’t sustain their performance and fell behind just two minutes later when Soma was left unmarked in the box to tap the ball home.
Andre Lacximicant added a third deep into added time to seal a 3-1 win for Casa Pia and condemn Chaves to a fourth defeat in their last six matches.
Super Eagles outcast Nwakali scores first goal since joining Chaves
The result also leaves Chaves rooted in the relegation zone with just three matches left in the Portuguese top-flight. For Nwakali, though, there were mixed feelings as he scored his first goal since joining the club.
The Nigeria international signed for Chaves in July 2023, and has been a regular in the first team under manager Joao Moreno. Nwakali has been ever-present in the team, playing in 30 of their 31 league matches this season.
However, the former Arsenal midfielder has struggled to add goals to his game despite contributing four assists this term in the Primeira Liga. Nwakali’s strike against Casa Pia on Saturday was his first in a Chaves shirt.
The goal also marked his first in almost two years, having last scored in September 2022 during Ponferradina’s 2-1 home defeat against Real Zaragoza in the Spanish second division.
How Chaves’ relegation could affect Nwakali’s future
While Nwakali still has a year left on his contract with Chaves, the club’s shaky position in the Portuguese league could see him depart at the end of the season, especially if they get relegated.
Chaves are currently five points away from safety. They will need to win their remaining three matches, and hope that Portimonense also lose each of theirs to avoid the drop. Should the club be relegated, however, it could have consequences on Nwakali’s future at both club and international levels.
Having joined Arsenal in 2016 after shining at the 2015 U17 FIFA World Cup, where he won the Golden Ball after helping Nigeria to be crowned champions, Nwakali has since had a disappointing journeyman career.
At just 25, the midfielder has already been on the books of seven clubs, loans included, and has been struggling to add to his four caps for his country. Nwakali was not included in the Super Eagles squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) in Ivory Coast, and was again snubbed for the March international friendlies against Ghana and Mali by caretaker coach Finidi George.
Suffering relegation with Chaves this season would further decrease his chances of getting a recall to the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June, and could also mean a continuation of his unstable career, as he may be forced to be on the move once again.
