Kelechi Nwakali Pleased To Win Golden Ball Award

ASJ Academy midfielder Kelechi Nwakali was delighted to win the Golden Ball at the Fifa Under 17s but was quick to praise his teammates for contributing to his success at the tournament.

The hardworking Golden Eaglets skipper netted three times in Chile, including a brilliantly executed free - kick in the semi - finals, and was credited with three assists.

“I thank God for the opportunity to win this award, “It means so much.”  Nwakali told fifa.com shortly after the final.

“Playing in the final is the dream of every young player. To play in a World Cup final and win the trophy is amazing. Not just winning it, but defending it.”

Nwakali follows in the footsteps of Philip Osundu, Sani Emmanuel and Kelechi Iheanacho as the Nigerian starlets that were named the best player at the end of the Fifa Under 17 World Cup.