In a significant boost for Nigerian football, Arsenal's young shot-stopper Arthur Okonkwo has been given the green light by FIFA to switch his international allegiance from England to Nigeria.
This development, confirmed by numerous Nigerian media outlets, makes the 22-year-old goalkeeper, who is currently honing his skills on loan at Wrexham, a dual-national player eligible to represent both the Super Eagles and the Olympic Eagles of Nigeria, as reported by Soccernet.
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The Super Eagles were in dire need of goalkeeping reinforcement, especially after the underwhelming performances leading up to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Chippa United's Stanley Nwabali rose to the occasion during the tournament, delivering commendable performances that won him praise both domestically and in his community.
Okonkwo's decision to play for Nigeria not only heats up the competition for the goalkeeper's jersey but also significantly deepens the talent pool available to the team.
He joins the likes of Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye, and Ojo Olorunleke, enriching Nigeria's goalkeeping choices.
A Londoner's Nigerian Dream
Born and raised in London, Okonkwo has worn the England jersey at the U-16, U-17, and U-18 levels, showcasing his talent on the international youth stage.
However, his decision to pledge his international future to the Super Eagles mirrors the path taken by other notable players with Nigerian heritage, such as Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman.