Wanderers Terminate Nwafornso Contract

The Halifax Wanderers are parting ways with Nigerian forward Kosi Nwafornso per the player’s own request.

A familiar face to Patrice Gheisar, the forward wasn’t able to replicate the form he had in League1 Ontario with the Vaughan Azzurri last season. He’d bagged 19 goals in 13 matches at the semi-pro level, capping that off with a dream hat trick in the final.

Following Patrice up to the pro level, the 25-year-old featured in eight matches for Halifax Wanderers across all competitions, finding himself unable to score thoughout five draws and three losses. He wasn’t on the team sheet for the club’s first win of the campaign against Valour last weekend.

There had been mention made that Nwafornso had struggled to adapt his game to the professional level. While a sizeable attacker on the pitch, his time in Wanderers blue came and went without any of the copious goals he was able to score in League1 Ontario pastures.

Kosi’s departure frees up room for the return of Joao Morelli, the club’s star Brazilian forward slated to return next month. The club also confirmed that defender Ethan Schilte-Brown’s development permit had come to an end.

“We want to thank Kosi and Ethan for their contributions to the club,” read a statement from the club.

Kosi’s short-lived spell out east was actually his second attempt to reach Canadian Premier League heights, with the forward having signed with Forge in 2021 before an injury curtailed his season.

Nwafornso – born in Abuja, Nigeria – had accrued 18 goals for St. Bonaventure University through four years with the NCAA side, though he also featured for both the Charlotte Eagles and Colorado Pride Switchbacks in USL League Two, winning a championship with the former in 2017. When the opportunity to follow Patrice to Halifax came up, he described it as a no-brainer.

The Halifax Wanderers return to action this Saturday, hosting a Cavalry side which also got a win last weekend.