Kelechi Nwakali Scores First Goal in Over 200 Days for Barnsley

Nigerian midfielder Kelechi Nwakali ended his long goal drought with a magnificent goal in Barnsley’s 2-1 win over Exeter City on Saturday. It was Nwakali’s first goal since scoring for Casa Pia in a 3-1 defeat to Chaves in Portugal.

The 25-year-old player, who joined Barnsley this summer after playing for Casa Pia, made his first league start with the team. He replaced the suspended Adam Phillips in the starting lineup and took full advantage of the opportunity.

Barnsley Coming From Behind To Win

The match started with Barnsley falling behind after Exeter City’s Josh Magennis scored from a free kick in the 13th minute. Barnsley struggled to break through Exeter’s defense in the first half.

However, a dramatic change occurred in the second half. Just five minutes after the restart, Nwakali received the ball outside the penalty area and fired a powerful 25-yard shot into the bottom corner of the net to level the score.

The momentum shifted and Barnsley took advantage eight minutes later when Davis Keillor-Dunn completed the comeback and scored the goal to secure three points.

The victory was Barnsley’s first come-from-behind win of the season and ended their six-match winning streak.

Nwakali’s joy after the goal

For Nwakali, this goal was especially meaningful because it was his first goal since April. Sharing his excitement on social media, he said, “Thank God. First goal is 3 points. Come on Reds.

Nwakali, who won the Golden Ball at the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup, had difficulty getting into Arsenal’s first team squad due to work permit problems. After leaving the club, he spent time on loan with various teams before finding a place at Barnsley, where he made his EFL debut in October.

The game against Exeter City was his first start in the league for Barnsley and he capitalized on it with a memorable goal.