Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has won Barnsley’s Goal of the Month award for December following his stunning volley against Exeter City, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 26-year-old’s first goal in English football – a brilliant edge-of-the-box strike that helped secure a 2-1 victory at St James Park on December 14 – was voted the best by Reds fans.
Nwakali received his award from Barnsley fan and boxer Callum Simpson at Oakwell and took to social media to express his gratitude.
“Goal of the month award (December), it can only be God, thanks to everyone who voted me for this award,” he wrote on X.
The goal, which came on his full League One debut, marked the midfielder’s first strike since April 27, when he scored for Casa Pia in their 3-1 loss to Chaves in Portugal.
The 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Ball winner joined Barnsley on a three-year deal last summer and has gradually forced his way into manager Darrell Clarke’s plans, featuring in nine of the last 13 league games.
“I knew this was an exciting opportunity for me, I know I can bring a lot to the team,” Nwakali told the club’s official website upon signing.
His award-winning strike helped spark a revival for The Reds, who have won four consecutive games to climb to fifth place in League One as they push for promotion to the Championship.
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