Okonkwo switches allegiance to Nigeria, NFF welcomes move
File: Arthur Okonkwo
Okonkwo recorded six clean sheets in 20 Championship appearances this season.
The Nigeria Football Federation has welcomed the nationality switch of Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, expressing optimism about adding the 24-year-old to its goalkeeping options.
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Okonkwo was eligible to represent both England and Nigeria and featured for England at various youth levels.
However, in December 2025, he completed a switch of allegiance to Nigeria, a move that has been warmly received by the NFF.
“The NFF is always excited to have another quality player committing to Nigeria and providing an option in a particular position,” NFF Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire, told ESPN.
“Arthur Okonkwo is a prospect, and we believe the technical crew is delighted to have another option in the goalkeeping department.”
Okonkwo bolsters Nigeria’s current goalkeeping pool, which has Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho, Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye and teenage talent Ebenezer Harcourt.
Nwabali, Uzoho and Obasogie are currently with the Super Eagles at the ongoing 2025 Africa CUp of Nations in Morocco while Okoyo was surprisingly left out.
Reports indicate that the goalkeeper’s decision followed a meeting with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle in London in June, during the Unity Cup tournament, which Nigeria won after defeating Jamaica on penalties.
Okonkwo began his football journey at Hampstead Academy before moving to Lindus Park and joining the Arsenal Academy at the age of eight in 2009. He later went on loan spells at Crewe Alexandra, Sturm Graz and Wrexham between 2022 and 2024.
He joined Wrexham permanently as a free agent in the summer of 2024 on a three-year deal. Last season, the goalkeeper kept 19 clean sheets in 33 League One appearances, conceding just 23 goals as Wrexham secured consecutive promotions from League Two to the Championship.
He has recorded six clean sheets in 20 Championship appearances this season.
Wrexham currently sit 10th in the Championship, four points outside the playoff places, following a 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers on New Year’s Day, with Okonkwo again keeping a clean sheet.
The win was their third in a row as the club continues to push for what would be a remarkable fourth consecutive promotion.
