Nigeria midfielder Kelechi Nwakali begins Cyprus chapter with Omonia 29th May

Nigeria midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has begun a new chapter in Cyprus by joining Omonia 29th May from Barnsley on a free transfer.

The 28-year-old central midfielder has signed a contract running until 31 May 2027 after leaving the English League One club. Nwakali’s move was completed on 1 September, with Omonia 29th May competing in the Cyprus League.

Nwakali joined Barnsley from Portuguese side Chaves in August 2024. Before that, he spent the 2023-24 season with Ponferradina, also in Spain, having moved there after a period without a club.

His career in Europe began with Arsenal Under-23s, whom he joined from Nigeria’s Diamond Academy in 2016. During his time connected with Arsenal, Nwakali had loan spells at Dutch clubs MVV Maastricht and VVV-Venlo, as well as Portuguese side FC Porto B.

He later made the move to Spain, joining SD Huesca in 2019. Nwakali helped Huesca win the Spanish second tier in the 2019-20 season, while also spending part of the following campaign on loan at AD Alcorcon.

The midfielder was part of Nigeria’s Under-17 World Cup-winning team in 2015 and was named Player of the Year at that tournament. He was born in Owerri and is listed at 1.84m, with a preferred right foot.

Nwakali’s transfer to Omonia 29th May represents a move from England’s third tier to Cyprus, where his new contract keeps him at the club through the end of May 2027. He joins with a recorded market value of €200,000.

At Barnsley, Nwakali was part of the club’s squad for the 2026-27 campaign before completing his switch. His move to Cyprus was registered as a free transfer, bringing his time in England to an end after two seasons.

Nwakali has now joined Omonia 29th May on a free transfer from Barnsley, with the deal secured until 31 May 2027.