Feb 23, 2024 - 11:59
By guardian.ng

Nigeria snatches Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo from England

Nigeria has snatched Arsenal’s Arthur Okonkwo from England with the goalkeeper now eligible to play for the Super Eagles following the approval of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA).

Okonkwo who was born in the United Kingdom represented England at the under-16 and under-17 levels after which he made his debute for the European nation under-18 team two days before his birthday.

The 22-year-old who is currently on loan at Wrexham has nevertheless remained eligible to play his international football for Nigeria through his ancestry.

Having last featured for the under-18 team of England in 2019, Okonkwo after waiting for a call-up to the senior team known as the Three Lions without any coming his way has now decided to play for Nigeria.

And according to multiple reports, FIFA has now officially approved his application to switch his nationality from England to Nigeria.

The goalkeeper is now very much eligible to represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria, meaning there will be more competition for the likes of Stanley Nwabali and Francis Uzoho.

Okonkwo has, meanwhile, previously said that former Chelsea shotstopper, Petr Cech and Manchester United legend, David De Gea have always influenced his goalkeeping style.

“I tried playing outfield but it was not for me. I enjoyed the thrill of making saves and the more spectacular, the better,” Okonkwo said on his decision to become a goalkeeper.

Okonkwo who has a younger brother named Brian who also plays as a goalkeeper in Arsenal’s academy has so far kept eleven cleansheets in 26 matches across all competitions for Wrexham this season.