Former England youth team goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo’s switch of nationality to Nigeria has received approval from FIFA, granting him eligibility to represent the senior national team.
The 22-year-old, currently on loan to English League Two side Wrexham from Arsenal, opted to switch his allegiance from England to Nigeria. Despite his previous involvement with England’s junior youth international teams, playing a total of 11 games from Under-15 to Under-18 levels, Okonkwo is now set to don the green and white of Nigeria.
According to exclusive information gathered by (owngoalnigeria) FIFA’s approval paves the way for Okonkwo’s potential selection by Nigeria’s head coach, Jose Peseiro. However, his inclusion in the national team squad will depend on his performance, with Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United currently established as the first-choice goalkeeper after an impressive display at the AFCON.
During his loan spell at Wrexham, so far, Okonkwo has featured in 26 games across all competitions, keeping 11 clean sheets and conceding just 26 goals.
His previous stints include a spell at Austrian side Sturm Graz, where he recorded six clean sheets in 18 games last season. Additionally, Okonkwo spent the first half of last season on loan at Crewe Alexandra in League Two, registering ten clean sheets in 36 games.
While his international future is now settled, Okonkwo’s club future will be clarified in the summer upon his return to Arsenal from his current loan spell.
