Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali is set to continue his European career in Cyprus after agreeing a move to Omonia 29is Maiou following his departure from Barnsley.
The 28 year old has already arrived in Cyprus and is expected to undergo a medical before completing his transfer to the Cypriot First Division club.
Nwakali left Barnsley after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with the League One side, bringing an end to his time at the club one year before his deal was due to expire.
The midfielder made 30 appearances for Barnsley across all competitions, scoring once and providing one assist during his spell with the club.
His next destination is expected to be Omonia 29is Maiou, where he is set to sign a one year contract running until the end of the 2026/27 season, provided he successfully completes his medical.
The move gives Nwakali another opportunity to revive his career after a spell in English football that produced limited attacking numbers.
The former Arsenal youngster began attracting international attention as a teenager after playing a starring role for Nigeria at the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile.
Nwakali captained the Golden Eaglets to the world title and was named the tournament’s Golden Ball winner, an award presented to the competition’s outstanding player.
His performances earned him a move to Arsenal, although he never made a senior appearance for the Premier League club. Instead, he spent time on loan with MVV Maastricht, VVV Venlo and Porto before eventually leaving England permanently.
The midfielder later built a career across Spain and Portugal, representing clubs including Huesca, Alcorcon, Ponferradina and Chaves before joining Barnsley.
Nwakali has also earned senior international recognition with Nigeria and will now be hoping that a successful spell in Cyprus can help him rediscover the form that once made him one of the country’s most highly rated young midfielders.
His immediate focus will be completing the medical and finalising the move to Omonia 29is Maiou.
If everything goes according to plan, Nwakali will begin another chapter of his European career with the Cypriot club and look to establish himself as an important figure in their midfield during the 2026/27 campaign.
