New Nigeria goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is anticipating his Super Eagles debut, hinting at a potential invitation ahead of the Unity Cup later this month and next month’s international friendlies against Portugal and Poland.
Born in Camden to Nigerian parents, Okonkwo became eligible to represent Nigeria after his international switch from England was approved by FIFA last month.
Okonkwo had represented England at various youth levels, including the U-18 team, during his time at Arsenal.
According to reports, the Wrexham goalkeeper’s decision to switch allegiance followed a meeting in London with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle during the Unity Cup tournament in June 2025, which Nigeria won.
Ahead of this year’s edition, the 24-year-old, who spoke in a Nigeria Football Federation-branded video sighted by our correspondent, expressed his excitement about the possibility of representing the country.
“It’s an honour being given the opportunity to play for your country. I am so excited, I can’t wait. To finally have the opportunity is incredible,” the goalkeeper said.
Okonkwo joins Nigeria’s goalkeeping depth chart currently led by Stanley Nwabali, which also includes Francis Uzoho, Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye and teenage star Ebenezer Harcourt.
Having progressed through Arsenal’s youth academy, Okonkwo spent loan spells at Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz before joining Wrexham initially on loan in the summer of 2023, with the transfer made permanent a year later.
He has since established himself as the Welsh club’s first-choice goalkeeper, making 121 appearances and contributing to two promotions.
This season, Okonkwo featured in 44 matches across all competitions, keeping 10 clean sheets as Wrexham missed out on promotion to the Premier League.
The PUNCH