Fifa clears Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to feature for Nigeria's Super Eagles

GLOBAL footballing body Fifa has cleared Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to represent Nigeria at senior international level paving the way for him to feature for the Super Eagles as early as next month if he is selected.

Former Arsenal youth product, Okonkwo, 24, was born to Nigerian parents in London and has previously featured for England at youth level between 2015 and 2019, earning caps with the U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-18 sides. However, none of those appearances came in competitive fixtures, making his clearance a very straightforward matter.

Nigeria's Super Eagles will report to camp on March 24 and then travel to Amman for a four-nation invitational tournament in Jordan next month. They are scheduled to face Iran on March 27 before taking on hosts Jordan four days later at the Amman International Stadium and then Costa Rica.

Okonkwo’s approval arrives at a time when questions linger over the goalkeeping department, particularly with first-choice keeper Stanley Nwabali currently without a club. His availability and match sharpness have been the subject of speculation in recent weeks, making Okonkwo’s clearance a timely boost for the coaching crew.

Currently flying high in the English Championship, Okonkwo's decision to commit to Nigeria followed discussions with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle during the Unity Cup in London last year. Although he had hoped to be part of the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, administrative hurdles prevented his inclusion at the time.

At club level, Okonkwo has grown into a dependable presence in goal for Wrexham, after stepping in this season after Danny Ward suffered an elbow injury, seizing his opportunity with a string of assured performances. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has spoken warmly about Okonkwo's progress.

Okonkwo has kept six clean sheets in 20 league appearances this term. Had he featured for England in European Championship qualifiers or at Fifa U17 or U20 World Cups, he would have been required to file a one-time change of association.