Former Nigeria international Victor Ezeji has accused Kelechi Nwakali of wasting his talent, warning that poor discipline and arrogance have stalled the midfielder’s career.
Speaking to Brila FM, the ex-Enyimba forward said the 27-year-old must change his lifestyle or risk a premature end to his career.
“Till date, I’m yet to see anyone that can play as a number 10 like Nwakali, but his attitude is the biggest problem,” Ezeji said.
“During their U-17 days, he was the star boy, but after that tournament, we don’t know what happened to him maybe it’s fame or ‘village people,’ only God knows.
I always tell these boys that fame is good, but learn to manage it.
“You will become a superstar, but how you live your life determines everything. That is very important. You have to discipline yourself.”
Kelechi Nwakali in action for Barnsley. Photo Credit: Barnsley/X
Ezeji criticised Nwakali for failing to communicate properly with his clubs whenever he returns home.
“How will you come to Nigeria for holiday and not think of going back? Overstaying isn’t the problem, but you must communicate with your team.
“Say, ‘I have one or two challenges, please give me about two to five days.’ The club will usually tell you, ‘Do whatever you want to do and come back.’
“When I was in Tunisia, it happened sometimes. I asked for permission, and they told me to take one more week and return immediately, but our own, when they come back, they become kings here because all their friends are around them. They will play till they forget they are meant to go back.”
Kelechi Nwakali in action for Barnsley. Photo Credit: Barnsley/X
The former Super Eagles striker also revealed that others who had encountered Nwakali abroad had raised concerns about his character.
“Nwakali needs someone to talk to him. I have a friend who told me this boy is a great player, but he won’t go anywhere.
“I asked him why, and he said, ‘His attitude.’ That time he was in London, he met him there. He said they spoke at length, and he was arrogant.
“I hope he listens, because with players when you advise them they will avoid you. You become their enemy. They will start dodging you because you want to live that life.
“If he (Nwakali) listens, he has a chance to change his career. If not, it will be bad,” Ezeji concluded.
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Once regarded as one of Nigeria’s brightest prospects, Nwakali captained the Golden Eaglets to victory at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, where he was named the tournament’s best player.
That earned him a move to Arsenal in 2016, but he never made a senior appearance for the Gunners. Loan spells at VVV Venlo and Porto B followed before permanent moves to Huesca and Ponferradina in Spain, and later Chaves in Portugal.
He signed a three-year deal with Barnsley in the summer of 2024 but has since fallen out with the club hierarchy.
The midfielder has been training away from the first team after reportedly returning late from holiday in Nigeria.
Barnsley manager Conor Hourihane has admitted that an exit is now the most likely outcome.
“A move away would be the best scenario for all parties,” Hourihane told BBC Radio Sheffield.
Ezeji spent 20 years in the Nigerian Professional Football League, playing for Sharks, Sunshine Stars, Heartland and Enyimba.
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He won two CAF Champions League titles with the People’s Elephant, had a spell with Club Africain in Tunisia, and made eight appearances for the Super Eagles.
