BY OSABUOHIEN VIVIAN-ROSE
It has been reported that FIFA has officially approved the nationality switch of former Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo from England to Nigeria.
The Arsenal academy graduate was able to switch under FIFA rules as he was born in England to Nigerian parents.
24-year-old Okonkwo had represented England during his youth career, playing for the u15s, u16s, u17s, and u18s between 2015 and 2018.
But with no further call-ups since then, Okonkwo has decided to switch allegiances and make himself eligible for Nigeria.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are yet to confirm when Okonkwo might receive a call-up, with AFCON already ongoing and Nigeria failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. But he’s available now if they need him.
The NFF reportedly became interested in Okonkwo after following his progress in recent seasons, with the goalkeeper spending the last two-and-a-half campaigns with Wrexham.
Okonkwo initially joined Wrexham on a loan move from Arsenal in the summer of 2023, before signing permanently in 2024. He initially joined the club when they were in League Two, but he’s now helped them all the way up to the Championship.
Okonkwo has continued to play a regular role in the Wrexham team since their arrival in the English second-tier, starting their last 21 Championship games in a row.
It may not be too long before the former Gunner gets a chance in the Premier League, with Wrexham in and around the play-off places at the time of writing. That would surely only strengthen his case for future Nigeria appearances.
Although they are currently competing at the Africa Cup of Nations, for the 2027 tournament runs from March to November.
However, Nigeria won’t be competing at the World Cup next summer having lost their qualification play-off against DR Congo.
Okonkwo success at Wrexham
After loan spells at Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz, Okonkwo made another temporary exit from Arsenal for the 2023/24 season.
He signed for Wrexham following the retirement of Ben Foster and was part of the side that finished second in League Two.
Okonkwo completed a permanent move to the Welsh outfit ahead of the next campaign and has been a regular ever since.
Wrexham achieved their second of three consecutive promotions as they rose into the Championship from League One.
The goalkeeper kept 19 clean sheets in 33 appearances throughout their campaign, conceding just 23 goals.
Okonkwo has featured 20 times in the Championship so far this season and kept six clean sheets as Wrexham sit 11th.
After a winless run of five, the Red Dragons have won their last two matches against Sheffield United and Preston North End.
Wrexham are only four points outside the play-off as they build towards what would be an incredible fourth consecutive promotion.
