The Super Eagles of Nigeria will soon get a new goalkeeper in Arthur Okonkwo following the approval of his switch of nationality from England to Nigeria, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Okonkwo’s switch is coming at a time when the team is having a mini crisis in goal, with first choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali inactive after terminating his contract with Chippa United.
Amas Obasogie who could have been an option after deputising for Nwabali is currently suspended with allegations of match fixing by his Tanzanian side Singida SC.
An ideal of what Okonkwo will add to the Nigerian team was given by head coach of Wrexham Phil Parkinson on the occasion of his 100th league appearance for the club against Portsmouth.
He started the current Championship season as second choice shot stopper behind summer signing Danny Ward.
However, Okonkwo has started 30 successive league matches since Ward sustained an elbow injury and is continuing to keep the fit-again Wales international out of the starting line-up.
“Arthur’s a very influential signing for us when we first brought him in,” said Parkinson.
“He’s a player who’s adapted, he’s had a few injuries along the way, his jaw and his wrist. He’s always come back and responded really well”, he stated.
“He’s a young goalkeeper improving all the time.”
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
