Nigerian midfielder, Kelechi Nwakali has joined Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit Grupo Desportivo de Chaves from Spanish third-tier league side Ponferradina.

The move is an upgrade for the Nigerian who had previously had stints with Premier League side Arsenal and Portuguese giants FC Porto. 

The 25-year-old who had been tipped to become one of Nigeria’s most prolific midfielders of his generation has failed to live up to the hype that saw him captain the country’s U-17 team to winning a World Cup. 

Nwakali would be hoping to revive his career in a familiar league having failed to do so in Spain mostly suffering from injuries, limited playing time, and lack of consistency. 

The Portuguese club announced the capture of the Nigerian on their official club platforms, “Grupo Desportivo de Chaves and the respective SAD inform that they have reached an agreement with Sociedade Deportiva Ponferradina for the transfer of the player Kelechi Nwakali.

“The 25-year-old midfielder, who trained at Arsenal, is international for Nigeria and is returning to Portuguese football, where he previously played for FC Porto. Welcome and good luck, Kelechi!”

Reacting to his return to Portugal, the former Huesca player said he believes he will be a great addition to the club, insisting he will add quality to the squad.

“I’m delighted to be returning to Portugal after leaving in 2019,” Nwakali told the club website. “As a player, I think I can bring more quality to the team thereby helping the team achieve its main objective.”