Football’s international governing body, FIFA, has approved the nationality switch of 22-year-old- Arsenal goalkeeper, Arthur Okonkwo, to play for Nigeria after playing for England at youth level.
Born on September 9, 2001 in London to Nigerian parents, Okonkwo, who is currently on loan at Wrexham in the Wales league is now eligible to represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Okonkwo made his senior debut for Arsenal’s first team in May 2021, during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, following his primary featuring for Arsenal’s youth teams and serving as a backup goalkeeper for the first team.
He has made 26 appearances in all competitions for Wrexham and has 11 clean sheets.
Okonkwo, whose younger brother Brian is also a goalkeeper at the Arsenal Academy, entered the Gunners youth system at the age of eight and progressed rapidly ahead of his age groups, making his debut for the U18 at the age of 15 and appearing for the U23 at 17-year-old.
Okonkwo represented England at U16, U17 and U18 respectively.
