Nigeria have received a major boost ahead of their March international fixtures.
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has officially been cleared by FIFA to represent the Super Eagles, ending a lengthy eligibility process and making him available for immediate selection.
The 24-year-old, currently first-choice at Championship side Wrexham, is now eligible to feature in Nigeria’s four-nation invitational tournament in Amman, where the Super Eagles will face Iran and Jordan later this month.
A Timely Boost for Chelle
The clearance comes at a crucial moment.
First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is currently without a club, raising concerns over match sharpness and stability in goal. With Nigeria rebuilding following their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, head coach Eric Chelle now has another serious option between the sticks.
Okonkwo stands at 1.98m and has featured 31 times for sixth-placed Wrexham this season, keeping seven clean sheets. His consistency at club level has put him firmly on Nigeria’s radar over the past year.
Backed by His Manager
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson recently praised the goalkeeper after he made his 100th league appearance for the club against Portsmouth, highlighting his growth and resilience.
Congratulations on your 100th league appearance in a Wrexham shirt, Arthur ?
— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) February 24, 2026
?? #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/Ryk5TVPCUq
“Arthur’s a very influential signing for us when we first brought him in,” Parkinson said. “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’s a young goalkeeper improving all the time.”
After initially joining from Arsenal on loan in 2023, Okonkwo signed permanently a year later and has become a key figure in Wrexham’s climb up the football pyramid.
Although he began this Championship season as second choice behind Danny Ward, he has since started 30 consecutive league matches following Ward’s elbow injury – and has kept the fit-again Wales international out of the starting XI.
That consistency, combined with his experience of pressure football during Wrexham’s rapid rise, could prove invaluable if called upon for Nigeria.
With his contract running until the end of the 2026-27 season, Okonkwo’s stock is only heading in one direction – and now the Super Eagles could benefit.
From England Youth to Super Eagles
Born in England to Nigerian parents, Okonkwo represented England at youth levels from U15 through to U18.
However, after discussions with Chelle during the Unity Cup in London last year – a tournament Nigeria won – the goalkeeper committed to switching his international allegiance.
FIFA approved the nationality switch in January 2026, completing the administrative process that had previously ruled him out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Now, the path is clear.
Nigerian goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo made 7 saves and 2 penalty saves against Nottingham Forest to help Wrexham advance to the next round of the FA Cup.
— 49th. (@the49thstreet) January 10, 2026
Safe hands ??? pic.twitter.com/C58sQfoQB7
What This Means for Nigeria
Nigeria will open camp on March 24 before facing Iran on March 27 and Jordan on March 31 in Amman.
These fixtures offer Chelle the perfect opportunity to assess Okonkwo in competitive conditions as the Super Eagles begin a new cycle.
With uncertainty around the goalkeeping position and increased competition always healthy, the former Arsenal shot-stopper could be in line for his senior debut sooner rather than later.
A new chapter may be about to begin.
