Super Eagles midfielder bags assist as Barnsley U21s lose 7-goal thriller to Peterborough

Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali was among the standout performers as Barnsley U21s suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat to Peterborough United U21s in a thrilling Professional Development League encounter on Tuesday afternoon.

Nwakali, who joined Barnsley in the summer of 2024 after a short spell in Portugal, showcased flashes of brilliance despite the team's loss.

The Nigerian international dictated the tempo in midfield, combining creativity with vision and technical flair to the delight of the teeming home fans.

From the blast of the whistle, the 27-year-old looked sharp, coming close to scoring in the opening ten minutes when his powerful effort from distance narrowly missed the target.

Peterborough, however, stunned the hosts early in the game, racing to a two-goal lead through Joe Andrews and Kyrell Lisbie. 

The hosts pulled one back through Lewis Gould, who reacted quickest to a rebound inside the box to make it 2-1.

However, Nwakali produced a moment of magic that ensured Barnsley equalized before the halftime break.

The former Arsenal midfielder delivered a beautifully weighted lofted pass that split the Peterborough backline to ensure Leo Farrell expertly fired home a half-volley from close range to level the score at 2-2 just before the break.

Despite heading into the break on level terms, Barnsley eventually succumbed to a 4-3 defeat after being reduced to ten men following a red card in the second half.

Nwakali has turned out for Barnsley's U21 side in recent matches as he looks to build up his fitness following an unsuccessful loan move during the summer transfer window.

Adeyemi Adewale

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