Barnsley FC have confirmed that Nigerian midfielder Kelechi Nwakali will continue his career at Oakwell past the end of the 2025/26 season.
The update was released through the club’s official retained and released list, with Barnsley taking up contract extension clauses for a number of players, including the former Golden Eaglets captain.
Nwakali’s season got off to a difficult start, as he made 26 appearances before he temporarily fell out of the plans under former manager Conor Hourihane. The 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup Golden Ball winner had also been connected with a potential departure after he was initially judged to be surplus to requirements.
Even with the uncertainty surrounding his future, the midfielder remained focused, keeping his sharpness by featuring for the development group. He then managed to work his way back into the first-team picture toward the end of the campaign, and Barnsley’s decision to keep him now gives Nwakali a strong chance to establish himself as a regular starter ahead of the new season.
Zibuyile began her media journey as a sales intern at Mediamark (Kagiso Media) before moving into digital content creation for ZAlebs.com. Over four years, she helped evolve the platform from a simple blog into one of South Africa’s leading independent entertainment news sites.
Following ZAlebs’ transition to Celebrity Worx in 2016, Zibuyile was promoted to Executive Editor, recognized for her sharp audience insight and ability to match editorial with branded content. Highlights of her time include a Bookmark Award nomination, judging TLC’s Next Great Presenter, reporting from the MTV EMAs, and building partnerships with radio stations like YFM, Cliff Central, and Good Hope FM.
Her editorial work also expanded to include fast-growing digital verticals—such as lifestyle tech, online entertainment, and gambling-related content—tailored to evolving reader interests and brand opportunities.
