By Our Correspondent

National News – Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has officially switched his international football allegiance from England to Nigeria, FIFA has confirmed.

Born in London to Nigerian parents, the 24-year-old goalkeeper represented England at youth levels from U-15 to U-18 but never featured for the senior national team.

With FIFA’s approval, Okonkwo is now eligible to play for the Super Eagles, joining established goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, and Francis Uzoho.

Okonkwo becomes the fifth player this year to leave England for another national side, following Lucy Day to Wales, Harvey Vale to Ireland, Emily Cassap to Northern Ireland, and Carney Chukwuemeka, also of Nigerian descent, to Austria.

A product of Arsenal’s youth academy, Okonkwo had loan spells at Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz before joining Wrexham on loan in the summer of 2023.

His transfer was made permanent in 2024, and he has since made 119 appearances for the Welsh club, contributing to two promotions and establishing himself as first-choice goalkeeper.

This season, Okonkwo has played 42 matches in all competitions, keeping ten clean sheets in 37 Championship games, ranking him joint seventh in the league.

A call-up to the Nigerian national team could see him linking up with former Arsenal academy graduates Alex Iwobi and Semi Ajayi.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face India and Jamaica in the 2026 Unity Cup in May, followed by matches against Poland and Portugal in June, offering Okonkwo an opportunity to earn his senior debut.

Nigeria finished third at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year but failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after losing the African playoff final to DR Congo.

Meanwhile, Wrexham currently sits sixth in the Championship as they pursue a fourth consecutive promotion.

Okonkwo’s international switch highlights the growing trend of dual-national players opting for African national teams to advance their careers while strengthening the Super Eagles’ squad.