Super Eagles midfielder, Kelechi Nwakali finds himself in trouble again after being sent off in a U21 match against Birmingham City Academy, on Tuesday.

The Nigerian international, who has four caps for the Super Eagles was already on a yellow card and ejected in the 78th minute after throwing a punch at a Birmingham player during a heated scuffle. The match ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw.

Since joining League One side Barnsley this summer, Nwakali has struggled to secure regular first-team action, appearing just twice and providing one assist.

In an effort to help him regain fitness, Barnsley assigned him to the U21 team. However, his involvement was overshadowed by this latest incident.

This isn’t the first time Nwakali has found himself in disciplinary trouble.

In 2022, he was released by Spanish club SD Huesca due to what they cited as “disciplinary issues.”

Though Nwakali claimed the dismissal stemmed from his decision to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations against the club’s wishes.

His most recent stint with Portuguese side CD Chaves also ended poorly.

During a match against Famalicão, he was substituted at half-time and later caught on camera using his phone on the bench.

Chaves went on to lose 1-0, contributing to their relegation and Nwakali’s eventual departure.

Once heralded as a rising star after captaining Nigeria to victory in the 2015 U-17 World Cup, where he won the Golden Ball Award, Nwakali’s career has been clouded by disciplinary setbacks.

His recent altercation may lead to further disciplinary action, as Barnsley expected him to use his time with the U21 squad to develop and refocus.

Nwakali’s recurring off-field issues have left fans wondering if he can still fulfill the promise he once showed as one of Nigeria’s brightest young talents.