New Aberdeen signing Chidi Nwakali will be hoping for a bit more luck with the Dons after facing relegation with his last two loan clubs.
The 21-year-old, whose full name is Chidibere Chijoke Nwakali, has joined the Dons’ training camp in Dubai after signing for the club on loan from Man City earlier today, subject to a work permit being approved.
The midfielder joined City in 2014 after impressing for Nigeria at the U17 World Cup in 2013. He hasn’t made a single appearance for the English giants but has enjoyed loan spells, in Spain with Malaga and Girona, and more recently in Norway with Start and Sogndal.
He spent the 2016 season with Start in the Tippeligaen, Norway’s top flight, making 22 appearances and scoring three times as the club were relegated in bottom spot.
The following year he was sent to Sogndal and played under former Leeds midfielder Eirik Bakke, making 26 appearances and scoring four goals.
Sogndal finished two places higher in 14th but were ultimately relegated after losing a two-legged relegation play-off on penalties to Ranheim, with Nwakali featuring in both matches.
Along the way during his two years in Norway, he did manage to score this screamer for Start.
How God works his magic with my leg on the pitch. Moments I truly cherish. #ProudlyNaija ?? @K1Says @CTV_TayoS @NGSuperEagles @SammAudusoka pic.twitter.com/vOlJfC9bVX
— Chidiebere Nwakali (@chidinwakali) February 26, 2017
Nwakali has clearly got the potential to score some spectacular goals, as the following year for Sogndal he scored this one in a 2-2 draw. Nwakali’s goal is Sogndal’s second, 1:40 into the video.
The midfielder has an outside chance of representing his country at the upcoming World Cup in Russia and Aberdeen supporters on social media appear to be pretty pleased with the signing.
Although there was some concern after the club’s official website pulled the story of Nwakali’s signing from their website within a few hours of announcing it.
Loanee from Man City? Not bad, Derek, not bad. He certainly seems to know where the goal is, so here’s hoping he’s decent. Welcome @chidinwakali ?⚪️
— Jay Moir (@jaymoir_) January 10, 2018
If Chidi Nwakali can have the same impact as @Madders10 in his loan spell at Pittodrie, then he'll do for me.
Welcome to @AberdeenFC Chidi ?⚪️?⚪️????— Graeme McDonald (@GraemeMcDonald3) January 10, 2018
Can Nwakali give the Dons the spark they need in midfield to kick-start the second half of the season?