Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has had his international allegiance switch from England to Nigeria accepted by FIFA, football’s world governing body.
The 24-year-old was born in London to Nigerian parents. He represented England at every youth level from under-15 to under-18.
After his international switch was confirmed on FIFA’s change of association platform, Okonkwo is now eligible to be selected by Nigeria, joining a goalkeeper group that includes No 1 Stanley Nwabali, Udinese’s Maduka Okoye, and Omonia’s Francis Uzoho.
Okonkwo came through Arsenal’s youth academy and had loan spells at Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz before joining Wrexham, initially on loan in the summer of 2023, before the deal was made permanent the following summer.
He has established himself as the Welsh side’s starting goalkeeper, making 119 appearances and being part of two promotions.
Okonkwo has made 42 appearances in all competitions and has kept ten clean sheets in 37 Championship games this campaign, the joint seventh-highest in the division.
Should he receive a call-up to the Nigerian men’s national team, he could link up with former Arsenal academy graduates Alex Iwobi and Semi Ajayi.
Nigeria finished third in the Africa Cup of Nations last winter after being knocked out in the semi-final by hosts Morocco. They also failed to qualify for this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico after losing their continental play-off to DR Congo, who have since confirmed their qualification for the tournament.
Nigeria’s next matches see them take on India (May 26) and Poland (June 3) in international friendlies.
Wrexham, sixth in the Championship and chasing their fourth consecutive promotion, are next in action against seventh-placed Southampton on Tuesday.
