Nigeria’s football authorities hailed the decision of English-born goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to pledge allegiance to the West African nation, bolstering their options in goal as the Super Eagles pursue glory at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The 24-year-old, who progressed through Arsenal’s academy and now stars for Wrexham in the English Championship, finalized his switch from England — where he represented youth sides — to Nigeria in December 2025, following a June meeting with national team coach Eric Chelle during a London tournament.
Nigeria Football Federation communications director Ademola Olajire told ESPN: “The NFF is always excited to have another quality player committing to Nigeria and providing an option in a particular position.”
He added: “Arthur Okonkwo is a prospect, and we believe the technical crew is delighted to have another option in the goalkeeping department.”
Okonkwo, son of Nigerian parents, boasts an impressive record with 19 clean sheets in 33 appearances during Wrexham’s promotion push last season, and six more in 20 games this term as the club eyes playoff spots.
His arrival expands a goalkeeping pool featuring Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho, Amas Obasogie, and Maduka Okoye, with three currently in Morocco for the 2025 AFCON, where Nigeria faces Mozambique in the last 16 on Monday.
