Arsenal football club goalkeeper and former England U-18 international, Arthur Okonkwo, has agreed to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Okonkwo is currently out on loan with Wrexham football club, fighting at the top of English League Two division in the United Kingdom, UK.
The goalkeeper impressed with Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz in the 2022/23 season, and he seems to be doing well again with his new club.
But for the time being, Okonkwo’s club progress isn’t leading to international opportunities with England football team. It’s been over four years since the 22-year-old was involved with the England U-18s, and it seems his head is now being turned.
Nigeria’s men senior football team coach, Jose Peseiro has been said to have made contact with Okonkwo, who would be eligible to make the nationality switch to Nigeria, and he has also been said to have indicated to Peseiro a willingness to do just that.
Peseiro has been tracking Okonkwo for a while, and the hope was that the Arsenal man will be cleared by the time the African Cup of Nations, AFCON 2023, comes around. That might not be possible now with the championship just less than 10 days to start.
As well as Peseiro, former Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, President, Amaju Pinnick, apparently tried to convince Okonkwo.
Over a season and a bit in senior football, Okonkwo has made 61 appearances and kept 24 clean sheets.