Arthur Okonkwo hails Nigeria call-up as proud milestone in international breakthrough

Arthur Okonkwo has described his maiden invitation to the Nigeria national team as an honour after receiving his first senior call-up to the Super Eagles, marking a significant step in his international journey.

The Wrexham goalkeeper has been named in the squad for the upcoming Unity Cup in London, where he is set to be part of Nigeria’s plans for a busy schedule of fixtures across the next two weeks.

Okonkwo, 24, previously represented England at youth level but switched allegiance to Nigeria last month after confirming his eligibility through his Nigerian parents, having been born in London.

He has been named in the squad for the Unity Cup in London next week, where Nigeria will face Zimbabwe in the semi-final on May 26, with Jamaica meeting India in the other tie before the third-place play-off and final on May 30.

He will also feature in upcoming internationals against Poland on June 3 and Portugal on June 10, with Nigeria absent from this summer’s World Cup after failing to qualify.

At club level, Okonkwo has enjoyed a mixed campaign with Wrexham, initially serving as deputy before stepping in as first-choice following Danny Ward’s injury, only to lose his place again toward the end of the season amid competition for the role.

“It’s an honor to even be given the opportunity to play for your country. I am so excited—I can’t wait. I have been wanting this moment for quite a while now, and to finally have the opportunity is incredible,” he said in a chat with the Nigerian FA.

“It all started last summer. I spoke to the manager and the goalkeeper coach, and they showed their interest in me. The conversations were very positive, and ever since that point we have been trying to get my switch done from English to Nigerian. When the moment finally arrived, the goalkeeper coach was the first to message me to let me know that I had been selected for the camp. You feel so much excitement. The first two people I called were my dad and then my mum. Everyone is so proud. I haven’t even told the rest of my family yet, but soon they will find out.

“I think the most important relationship I want to build with them is trust. Obviously, that takes time, but I want to become a consistent performer for the country. I want to be someone they can trust in goal every game. That is a process. To get there, I have to integrate with the team, learn the way we play, connect with my defenders and everyone on the pitch. I want to keep working toward that.

“The one thing I love to do is make saves. I hope I can make many for Nigeria. I hope they can enjoy my saves more than anything else. Looking five years from now, the reason I made this decision is because I want to win trophies for my country. I know how much Nigerians love football and how important it is to them. Being able to do that for my country would be incredible.”

The goalkeeper’s international breakthrough comes at a pivotal stage in his club career, with his contract at Wrexham entering its final year and no renewal discussions currently reported, leaving his long-term future uncertain.

With limited clarity over his role next season, the 24-year-old may seek increased playing time elsewhere, while Wrexham could consider this summer the last realistic opportunity to secure a transfer fee after signing him on a free from Arsenal.

Whatever direction his career takes, the coming months are likely to prove decisive as he seeks both international establishment and stability at club level.