As the January African Cup of Nations approaches, one area that has been causing concern for the Nigerian national team and its fans is the goalkeeping department. The current group of goalkeepers in the team’s fold has been far from reliable, leaving the team vulnerable to mistakes and poor performances in front of the net. However, a potential solution may have emerged in the form of Arthur Okonkwo, the talented Arsenal goalkeeper.
Arthur Okonkwo, a 22-year-old Nigerian-born goalkeeper, has shown great promise during his time with the England U18 team. However, the opportunity to play for the senior England team has not materialized for him. This has led Okonkwo to consider switching his international allegiance to Nigeria, a decision that would be welcomed by the Nigerian Portuguese head coach, José Peseiro.
Okonkwo is currently on loan with Wrexham, where he has been performing well in League Two. Last season, he impressed with his performances for Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz, and he has continued his strong form with his new club. Despite his club success, Okonkwo has not been given a chance to represent England in recent years, leading him to consider playing for Nigeria instead.
According to reports, Peseiro has been in contact with Okonkwo and is keen to have him as part of the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament. Okonkwo is eligible to switch his nationality to Nigeria and has reportedly expressed his willingness to do so. Peseiro has been tracking Okonkwo’s progress for some time, and there is hope that the necessary paperwork will be completed in time for the tournament.
In addition to Peseiro’s interest, former Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick has also shown support for Okonkwo’s potential switch. The combination of Peseiro’s interest and Pinnick’s endorsement could pave the way for Okonkwo to represent Nigeria at the international level.
Okonkwo’s performances on the pitch speak for themselves. In his relatively short senior career, he has made 52 appearances and kept 20 clean sheets. This impressive record, combined with his market value of two million euros, makes him the most valuable player in the EFL League Two, according to Transfermarkt. His potential addition to the Super Eagles squad would undoubtedly strengthen the team’s goalkeeping options.
Off the pitch, Okonkwo has shared his admiration for former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar. Growing up watching his father support Manchester United, Okonkwo was inspired by Van Der Sar’s performances and considers him his favorite goalkeeper in the Premier League. In a recent podcast, Okonkwo also revealed his dedication to improving his skills, particularly his left foot, through various drills and challenges.
Arthur Okonkwo’s journey from the Arsenal academy to a potential role as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper is a testament to his talent and determination. If given the opportunity, he could fill the void in the Nigerian national team’s goalkeeping department and become a valuable asset for years to come.
