Arthur Okonkwo is now officially eligible to represent Nigeria after FIFA approved his switch of international allegiance from England to the Super Eagles.
The 24-year-old, who previously featured for England at youth levels, can now pursue a senior career with Nigeria, ending months of speculation about his international future.
Born in London to Nigerian parents on September 9, 2001, Okonkwo played for England’s U15, U16, U17, and U18 teams between 2015 and 2019. With senior opportunities in England stalling, he opted to embrace his Nigerian heritage.
Okonkwo’s football journey began at Arsenal’s academy, where he rose through the ranks to make his senior debut in May 2021 against Crystal Palace. Loan spells at Crewe Alexandra and Austria’s Sturm Graz helped him gain valuable first-team experience.
Ahead of the 2023/24 season, he joined Wrexham on loan following veteran Ben Foster’s retirement, later making the move permanent in 2024. He has been pivotal to Wrexham’s remarkable rise from League Two to the Championship.
During Wrexham’s promotion campaign, Okonkwo kept 19 clean sheets in 33 games, conceding only 23 goals. This season, he has featured 20 times in the Championship, helping the Red Dragons sit 11th and just four points shy of the play-off spots.
The Nigeria Football Federation has yet to announce when Okonkwo will receive his first senior call-up. However, his consistent performances at club level have put him firmly on the radar as the Super Eagles look to strengthen their goalkeeping options.
