FIFA Clears Wrexham Goalkeeper Okonkwo To Represent Nigeria

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has confirmed that goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has switched international allegiance to represent Nigeria in future matches.

The Wrexham AFC first-choice goalkeeper’s change of association from England was approved on April 6 and has been listed on FIFA’s official platform.

He is now eligible for selection by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle and the Nigeria Football Federation’s technical committee.

Okonkwo previously represented England at youth level, earning 10 caps across various age grades. He made five appearances at the U-16 and U-17 levels before adding another five caps for the U-19 team between 2016 and 2019.

Nigeria had long courted the Arsenal Academy product following his impressive performances for Wrexham, the US celebrity-backed Championship club.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper played a key role in Wrexham’s rise, helping the club secure three consecutive promotions from the National League to the Championship. He currently ranks among the top 10 goalkeepers for clean sheets this season, with a 68 per cent save rate, and has recorded 40 clean sheets across three seasons with the club.

The London-born shot-stopper is expected to compete for a place in Nigeria’s squad alongside Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye of Udinese Calcio, and Cyprus-based Francis Uzoho.