Very many comments on social media, yes many comments on this story on Nwakali's transfer to English League One side Barnsley from G.D. Chaves in Portugal.
Although his career hasn't moved in the trajectory his immensely undeniable bag of tricks and talent suggested in Under-17 football, something stays undeniable about Kelechi Nwakali - he remains relevant and his activities gain traction and generate reactions.
You see, I am a fan of Nwakali. Yes, poor decisions, questionable attitude and low work ethics have contributed to crippling his career, but even at that, this day and age, he still has something needed in the Super Eagles' midfield.
Eloquent passing range, intricate long balls and prescience in possession haven't exactly deserted the 26 year old. But that unwillingness to exert himself, improve his repertoire, hone his skills and apply the highest level of professionalism to his overall midfield presentation are obvious issues.
That collection of supremely talented 2013 and 2015 Golden Eaglets squads have largely faded into obscurity - sadly. Out of about 22 top talents, we only have the likes of Iheanacho, Osihmen, Chukwueze, Uzoho and perhaps Ndidi either fulfilling their potentials in the Super Eagles or trying to keep their heads above water.
Others, like Nwakali senior have been tossed away in the consciousness of Super Eagles fans like household waste due to poor returns in club football despite supremely promising beginnings, with several others languishing in backwater leagues. Their transfers from club to club seldom make it to the front pages of sports newspapers.
But Kelechi Nwakali has somewhat remained relevant - even notching an Afcon participation in his C/V. His travails and troubles gain traction and attract reactions which are testament to his poorly channeled but largely undeniable star qualities.
So, the star qualities are there and it's not too late for this lad to turn things round.
Should he finally latch his head in the right place and embrace hard work, dedication, unwavering commitment to his craft and professionalism on and off the pitch, he would finally start to gain the right sort of (positive) traction and will burn rubber on the right tarmac.
Those Sunday Oliseh-esq type long balls and visionary passes are sorely needed in the Super Eagles; something Nwakali has in spades if harnessed, cultivated and improved upon regularly .
However, the Owerri-born fast-fading star is too distracted with the glitz and glamour that come with football that he has taken his eyes off the ball-of-application that elevates a footballer's status high enough to reach the pinnacles of those glitz.
Mediocrity on the pitch will only generate mediocre returns off it.
Perhaps moving to England (albeit division 3) will help Nwakali finally shed the cloak of mediocrity and elevate his presentation to respectable heights.
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