FIFA has formally approved the international allegiance switch of Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo from England to Nigeria, making him eligible for selection by the Super Eagles. The 24-year-old was born in London to Nigerian parents and previously represented England at the youth level from under 15 to under 18, but never played for the senior Three Lions side.Â
FIFA confirmed the change on its change of association platform on Monday. Okonkwo now joins a competitive goalkeeper group that includes Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye and Francis Uzoho. The shot stopper progressed through Arsenal’s youth academy and spent loan spells at Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz before joining Wrexham initially on loan in the summer of 2023, with the transfer made permanent a year later.
He has since established himself as the Welsh club’s first-choice goalkeeper, making 119 appearances and contributing to two promotions. This season, Okonkwo has featured in 42 matches across all competitions, keeping 10 clean sheets in 37 Championship games, which places him joint seventh in the division.
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A call-up to the Super Eagles in the next international window would see him potentially link up with former Arsenal academy graduates Alex Iwobi and Semi Ajayi. Nigeria’s next fixtures include friendlies against India and Jamaica in the 2026 Unity Cup in May before facing Poland and Portugal in June, providing an opportunity for Okonkwo to stake his claim for a senior debut.
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