Boxing champion meets Nwakali: Simpson hands Nigeria midfielder Barnsley Goal of the Month prize

Kelechi Nwakali's first goal in English football has been voted Barnsley's Goal of the Month for December 2024.

The Arsenal alum saw off competition from Davis Keillor-Dunn, Adam Phillips and Jon Russell to claim the monthly accolade. 

Signed from GD Chaves in the summer of 2024, Nwakali scored Barnsley's most eye-catching goal last month during his full League One debut against Exeter City.

Three minutes into the second half, Nwakali, who was operating in a deep-lying midfield role, fired the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area on the half-volley after a bouncing ball fell to him.

The spectacular strike provided the boost Barnsley needed to overcome the home team, with Davis Keillor-Dunn netting the game-winning goal in the 58th minute.

According to the official website of Barnsley, Nwakali was presented his award by Reds fan and boxer, Callum Simpson at Oakwell.

Born in 1996, Callum Simpson is a British professional boxer who has held the British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles since August 2024.

After a slow start to his Barnsley career due to fitness issues, having missed the whole of pre-season preparations, Nwakali has gradually forced his way into the plans of manager Darrell Clarke.

Since the beginning of December 2024, the Nigeria international has played in six out of Barnsley's eight matches, with three of those appearances as a starter.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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