The 2015 U-17 FIFA World Cup hosted by Chile was won by Nigeria but on an individual level, he not only became a World Cup winner, but he also lifted it as the Captain of the team before adding the ultimate, the “Golden Ball”, reserved for the best player of the tournament to his list of achievements.
Kelechi Nwakali, without doubt, is a player made for the records and in an interview with Rulers’ World, the 23-year-old footballer revealed that his next target is the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy.
“My target is to win the competition and be in the record of Nigerian players who have won the trophy”, the SD Huesca of Spain midfielder opened up to Rulers’ World.
Making his official debut for the senior national team of Nigeria in the fiercely contested group opener against Egypt, the one-time Arsenal of England signing came on in the 2nd half and could have been credited with an assist late on but for the brilliance of the Egyptian goalkeeper, but the player sees the victory over the Arab giants as the ultimate satisfaction.
“It’s good to be back in the Super Eagles. Every Nigerian player wants to come back or play in this competition and represent the Super Eagles and us having the 3 points from the game which was my debut is my biggest consolation over every other thing.
“I believe the coach believes in me or my quality, that is why he brought me on in the match and I am delighted we achieved the result”, Nwakali further added.
When asked to take the magazine through the situation in the camp, the former U-23 Dream Team player also reiterated that every player is focused on the same goal as his, to win the AFCON tourney.
“The mindset we have in camp is to win the competition and as we progress we have all resolved to keep doing our best to help the team”, he revealed.
The widely travelled player, who has played in the Netherlands, Portugal and now Spain, disclosed that he is also keeping tabs with happenings back at his base in Spain.
“Of course, I spoke with my coach after the game and since then we have been talking. We talk about SD Huesca since my departure and we also talk about my presence here in Africa. We talk every day”, Nwakali concluded.
Kelechi Nwakali is the younger brother of Chidiebere Nwakali of Aberdeen FC of Scotland who also won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2013 in the United Arab Emirates.
