Arsenal’s goalkeeper expresses interest in playing with the Nigerian Super Eagles
Arthur Okonkwo of Arsenal is a goalkeeper that the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who appear to be lacking in the goalkeeping department, can now use.
Former England Under-18 international Arthur Okonkwo has reportedly agreed to play for the Super Eagles, according to a Dailycannon story.
Born into the Arsenal youth system, Okonkwo was promoted to the senior team on July 1, 2021.
The 22-year-old goalie, though, hasn’t been able to make a name for himself at Emirates Stadium. He has therefore played on loan for a few different clubs.
He worked for Crewe Alexandra, a lower-tier club, from July 29, 2022, to January 16, 2023. On January 16, 2023, he went on loan to the Austrian Bundesliga team, Sturm Graz.
Currently, Arthur Okonkwo plays for Wrexham, an English League Two team. In his 17 games, he has allowed 15 goals and kept 8 clean sheets.
While on loan at a lower league team, Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro and the NFF have been keeping an eye on him.
According to reports, coach Peseiro has been trying for a long time to persuade the British goalie, who was born in Nigeria, to become a Nigerian citizen. The goalkeeper was supposed to be a member of his 2023 AFCON team.
That won’t be feasible, though, as the tournament is only nine days away. Arthur Okonkwo’s dedication to the Nigerian national team will be beneficial for the group even beyond the 2023 AFCON, as the nation still lacks a dependable first-choice goalkeeper.