The viral story of the decision of Arthur Okonkwo of English Championship side Wrexham to commit his international future to the senior national team of Nigeria is indeed factual, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Since he made his league debut for Wrexham – initially as a loan signing from Premier League giants Arsenal – in a 3-3 home draw against Crewe Alexandra in League Two on September 30, 2023, the 24-year-old has kept the joint most league clean sheets in the top four tiers.
Okonkwo has 42 shut-outs, the same as Leeds United stopper Illan Meslier and one more than Arsenal’s David Raya and Sam Tickle, of Wigan Athletic, with James Trafford (Burnley but now Manchester City) having 32 clean sheets
In 91 appearances for Wrexham, who he joined on a permanent basis in the summer of 2024 after leaving the Gunners, Okonkwo – a two-time promotion winner with the Reds – has kept an incredible 42 shut-outs.
Born to parents of Nigerian descent in England, he represented England at various youth levels but didn’t make it to the senior national team leaving the door open for a switch to Nigeria, which has now been ratified by FIFA.
The decision came after a meeting with the head coach of Nigeria Eric Chelle in London, when the Super Eagles took part in the four team Unity Cup tournament, where they defeated Jamaica on penalty to win the friendly tournament.
Chelle outlined his plans to the shot stopper and his agent during the meeting, urging him to file for a nationality switch and also get a Nigerian passport which will make him available for selection.
An agreement was reached by all parties that the AFCON will be too soon for the process to be completed, but it should be set in process for him to be available after the tournament.
It appears the process is now cleared, and Chelle would have been reliably informed about the decision as he has maintained contact with the goalkeeper and his camp since their first meeting in June.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
