The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has approved the nationality switch for former England youth international goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, allowing him to play for Nigeria.
Okonkwo, 22, currently is on loan at League Two club Wrexham from Arsenal and has now been granted FIFA’s approval to switch his allegiance to the Nigerian football team and represent the Super Eagles on the global stage.
At 22, Okonkwo had aspired to represent the Three Lions of England but hasn’t seen that ambition being fruitful. With Nigeria facing challenges in their goalkeeper department following Vincent Onyema’s retirement since 2015, Okonkwo sees an opening and decided to switch his allegiance to explore the chance to play for Nigeria, especially with the Nigerian Portuguese head coach, Jose Peseiro who had showed interest in his potential switch.
It was gathered that the Super Eagles’ head coach Jose Peseiro reached out to Arthur Okonkwo in October 2023, and was hoping to have him for the AFCON, but settled for South African-based goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabili.
At Wrexham, he has made 26 appearances in all competitions for the club and has 11 clean sheets. Arthur Chukwuezugo Okonkwo was born on the 9th of September 2001 in London, United Kingdom to Nigerian parent.
Okonkwo began his career at Hampstead Academy before moving on to Lindus Park where he joined the Arsenal academy as an eight-year-old in 2009.
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