FIFA clears Wrexham star Arthur Okonkwo to represent Nigeria
Arthur Okonkwo has officially switched his international allegiance from England to Nigeria after receiving approval from FIFA.
The decision was confirmed through FIFA’s change of association platform, making the goalkeeper eligible to represent Nigeria at senior international level.
Okonkwo, 24, was born in London to Nigerian parents and previously represented England across several youth levels.
He featured for England from the under-15 to under-18 categories before deciding to switch his international future.
The goalkeeper can now be selected by Nigeria as they continue to strengthen their options between the posts.
Nigeria’s current goalkeeping group includes Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye and Francis Uzoho.
Okonkwo developed through the youth academy at Arsenal before beginning his senior career with several loan spells.
Those temporary moves included time at Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz.
He joined Wrexham on loan in the summer of 2023 before the move was made permanent the following year.
Since arriving at the Welsh club, Okonkwo has established himself as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.
He has made 119 appearances for Wrexham and played a role in the club securing two promotions during his time there.
The goalkeeper has continued to impress during the current campaign.
Okonkwo has made 42 appearances across all competitions this season and recorded ten clean sheets in 37 Championship matches.
That tally places him among the top goalkeepers in the division for shutouts.
Should he receive a call-up, Okonkwo could join several Nigeria internationals who previously came through Arsenal’s academy system.
Those include Alex Iwobi and Semi Ajayi.
Nigeria recently finished third in the most recent Africa Cup of Nations after losing to hosts Morocco in the semi-finals.
The Super Eagles also missed out on qualification for the upcoming World Cup after losing their continental play-off to DR Congo.
Nigeria will next play international friendlies against India on May 26 and Poland on June 3.
Meanwhile, Okonkwo’s focus remains on club football as Wrexham continue their push for promotion in the Championship.
The Welsh side currently sit sixth in the table and will face Southampton in their next league fixture.