Nigeria U20 international Kelechi Nwakali celebrated his 18th birthday in absentia in Owerri on Sunday, June 5th.

To mark the occasion, the central midfielder donated two sets of jerseys to ASJ Academy while his elder brother Chidiebere, who traveled all the way from Norway, gave out fourteen pairs of boots as gift to the nursery team.

CEO ASJ Academy Emeka Amajiriaku was delighted with the gesture shown to the club by the Nigeria youth internationals, and added that Kelechi Nwakali and his camp are preparing to travel to London in the coming days to wrap up his deal with Arsenal.

“Kelechi donated to ASJ two sets of jerseys and Chidi donated 14 pairs of boots to mark his birthday, ” Amajiriaku said to allnigeriasoccer.com.

“His absence was felt, Chidiebere decided to honor his brother, he hosted the birthday in his absence. All ASJ players clustered in his house in celebration of the birthday, everyone is happy.”

He added : “I am speaking from the management angle, Kelechi is now 18. Allwell, Kelechi and his mother are preparing to travel to London to finish up the whole deal, to put everything right in conjunction with Diamond Academy.”

Kelechi Nwakali is expected to append his signature to a five-year deal with Arsenal after the Africa U20 Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi in six days time.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel