'I don't wish my teammate injury' - Barnsley Motm Nwakali speaks out after coming on in weird circumstances

Kelechi Nwakali was officially named Barnsley's Man of the Match following his brilliant performance during a 1-1 draw against Cambridge United at Cledara Abbey Stadium on Saturday, November 16.

Dan Nlundulu showed superb strength, holding off his marker before slotting a shot into the back of the net in the fourth minute.

Reds manager Darrell Clarke was forced into an early change with Max Watters picking up what looked liked an injury and being replaced by Nwakali in the eighth minute.

With a powerful strike from inside the area, Stephen Humphrys found the back of the net to equalize for the visitors with seventeen minutes played.

It was a frustrating one in the end for Barnsley as they missed a host of chances to score the game-winning goal. 

The first real chance of the second half fell to Nwakali but his effort from distance went wide of the post in the 53rd minute and eight minutes later, Jon Russell found the back of the net but the goal was disallowed.

Having previously logged only one minute in the League One, the former Arsenal midfielder probably got his first real game in a Barnsley shirt in the division.

After entering the game as a substitute in weird circumstances, the Nigeria international showed his qualities, spraying the ball all over the pitch and frequently touching the ball.

Speaking to Barnsley media post-match, Nwakali stressed that he was sad to see his teammate Watters leave the field injured.

"It was good, as a player it's the moment every player wants but the most important thing is to be patient for the right time to come and be ready. Today it wasn't the best circumstances to go in," Nwakali stated. 

"As a player I don't wish my teammate injury but at the same time it happens and I was called upon to go in and I was able to show.

"I know it's more of physicality but as a player you should be ready to adapt to every situation you find yourself. In Portugal or Spain it's not really the same but at the same time you have to adapt to the situation.

"One thing I know as a player, the more you keep playing, the more you keep improving, so every opportunity is time to improve and keep moving forward."

Nwakali is eager for more playing time with the first team but understands that the decision is out of his control.

"Of course. As a player that's why I'm here to play for the team but I think the gaffer knows what is best for the team so any day he calls upon me to play, I'll give my best to the team. 

"As a player I want to play every game but at the same time I'm not the one to make the decision. Whenever I'm called upon, I am ready to play for the team."

Since joining Barnsley on a three-year deal in August 2024, Nwakali has appeared in only four games across all competitions, logging 263 minutes.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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