Kelechi Nwakali Joins Spanish side SD Ponferadinna

Nigerian Midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has joined Spanish segunda division side SD Ponferadinna ahead of the 2022/2023 season .

The former Golden Eaglets captain was a free agent following the termination of his contract at another Spanish segunda division side Huesca in April 2022.

The club statement announcing Nwakali’s signing via the SD Ponferadinna official website read

” Kelechi Nwakali (Owerri, Nigeria, 1998) is a new player for SD Ponferradina. The new Blue and White midfielder will thus continue his career in LaLiga SmartBank, in which he has competed in the last two seasons with AD Alcorcón and SD Huesca.

“Kelechi began his career at the Diamond Football Academy in his country. His qualities caught the attention of Arsenal FC, who signed him for their under-23 team in 2016. Later, he played on loan at MVV Maastrich in the second division of the Netherlands and at VVV Venlo, with whom he competed in the Dutch top flight. 

“In the 18-19 campaign he joined FC Porto, who enrolled him in their B team. For the following campaign he departed Arsenal FC and began his career in Spanish football. SD Huesca signed him which saw the club gain promotion to LaLiga Santander.

“After making his debut in the top flight in the 20/21 season, in the winter market of that year he joined AD Alcorcón on loan, where he became a regular starter and participated in 18 games. Last season, back at SD Huesca, he played in 19 league games and 2 Copa del Rey games. In addition, he is a full international with Nigeria. “

Kelechi Nwakali is no stranger to the Spanish segunda division having already starred for Alcoron and Huesca where his contract was controversially terminated in April .

13 time Swiss league champions Fc Zurich were previously close to the signing of the 24 year old this summer but as confirmed by his elder brother Allwell, the interest disappeared following the departure of the previous Head Coach at the Swiss club.

Nwakali was part of Super Eagles team to the 2021 AFCON . The Midfielder will hope to work his way back into the plans of new Super Eagles Head Coach Jose Paseiro with his performances for SD Ponferadinna .