The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has welcomed the decision of Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to commit his international future to Nigeria, describing the move as a timely boost to the country’s goalkeeping options.
Okonkwo, 24, was born in London to Nigerian parents and had previously represented England across several youth levels.
In December 2025, however, the highly rated shot stopper completed a change of allegiance to Nigeria, a development that has been warmly received in Abuja.
“The NFF is always excited to have another quality player committing to Nigeria and providing an option in a particular position,” the federation’s Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire, told ESPN.
“Arthur Okonkwo is a prospect, and we believe the technical crew is delighted to have another option in the goalkeeping department.”
The arrival of Okonkwo strengthens an already competitive pool that includes Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United, Francis Uzoho, Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye and teenage prospect Ebenezer Harcourt.
Nwabali, Uzoho and Obasogie are currently on duty with the Super Eagles at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, while Okoye was a notable omission from the squad.
Reports suggest Okonkwo’s decision followed discussions with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle during a meeting in London last June. The talks took place around the Unity Cup tournament, which Nigeria went on to win after edging Jamaica on penalties.
Okonkwo’s football journey began at Hampstead Academy before spells at Lindus Park and the Arsenal Academy, which he joined at the age of eight in 2009. Loan moves followed at Crewe Alexandra, Sturm Graz and Wrexham between 2022 and 2024.
He signed permanently for Wrexham as a free agent in the summer of 2024, agreeing to a three-year deal.
The goalkeeper enjoyed a standout campaign last season, keeping 19 clean sheets in 33 League One appearances and conceding just 23 goals as the club secured back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship.
This season, Arthur Okonkwo has continued his fine form with six clean sheets in 20 Championship outings.
Wrexham currently sit 10th in the table, four points off the play-off places, following a 2-0 New Year’s Day victory over Blackburn Rovers, a match in which Okonkwo once again kept goal intact.
The result marked a third successive win for the Welsh side as they chase what would be a remarkable fourth consecutive promotion.