Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has opened up on his situation at Spanish side Huesca, accusing the club of intimidation.
In a statement posted to social media on Wednesday, the 23-year-old said the club terminated his contract even before expiration in June for representing Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The former Arsenal player, who lamented the ill-treatment from the club’s sporting director, Ruben Garcia, accused Huesca of withholding his wages.
He said, “For months the club has been abusing its power to bully me into signing a new contract. These tactics have included paying me late on numerous contracts.
“The breakdown in negotiations came when my mother fell ill and I asked Ruben for the wages the club already owed me in order to pay for my mother’s hospital bill and treatment. Ruben Garcia responded to my request by saying: ‘Sign this new contract and we will pay you what’s owed tonight’.
“But despite these actions, I was not going to allow the club to stop me from representing my country at one of the biggest international tournaments in the world and I was honoured to join my teammates in Cameroon.
“Before Nigeria’s last 16 game against Tunisia on 23rd January 2022, I began to feel unwell and was diagnosed with a respiratory tract infection. As a result, I was not fit enough to play in the game against Tunisia. After we were eliminated from the tournament I was unable to return to the club immediately as planned because of my illness following advice from the doctor.
“Throughout this time, Huesca have not paid my wages, yet I have remained silent hoping that a reasonable resolution could be found. But yesterday (Tuesday) when I turned up at the training ground, a member of the club tried to force me to sign mutual termination papers which I refused to do. I have a family that depends on me, and no player should have to go through this inhumane treatment.”
Meanwhile, the Spanish Players’ Association (AFE) has pledged to wade into the matter and challenge Nwakali’s dismissal in court.
