Wrexham confirm first Super Eagles call‑up for former Arsenal player

Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has earned his first senior call‑up to the Nigeria national team, according to Afrik‑Foot.

The 24‑year‑old was named in Éric Chelle’s squad for the Unity Cup in London, after FIFA cleared him to play for Nigeria in April. Okonkwo represented England at youth levels from Under‑15 to Under‑18 but remains eligible for Nigeria through his parents.

Wrexham issued a statement congratulating the towering goalkeeper on reaching another milestone in his career.

Nigeria will open their Unity Cup campaign against Zimbabwe at The Valley on Tuesday, May 26, while Jamaica and India contest the other semi‑final. The final and third‑place match are scheduled for Saturday, May 30.

New Super Eagles and Wrexham AFC goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo. Copyright: ImagoxMIxNewsx

After the London tournament, the Super Eagles will travel to Warsaw for a friendly against Poland on June 3, then finish the camp with an away match against Portugal in Leiria on June 10.

Okonkwo’s inclusion follows a standout spell with Wrexham, where he has become a key figure in the club’s rapid ascent through the English leagues. The London‑born keeper joined Wrexham permanently in 2024 after leaving Arsenal and has since helped the Welsh side establish themselves in the Championship.

During the 2025‑26 season, Okonkwo appeared in 39 league matches, making a series of important saves as Wrexham navigated one of the toughest divisions in European football.

Standing 6ft 6in, he is regarded as a modern sweeper‑keeper who is comfortable launching attacks from deep, a quality that could fit Chelle’s plans for a more possession‑based Super Eagles side.

Arthur Okonkwo of Wrexham. (Photo by: ImagoxStevexFlynn)

Okonkwo rises through Wrexham to Super Eagles

Okonkwo’s journey to the fold of the three‑time African champions has spanned several years.

Born in Camden, London, he joined Arsenal’s Hale End academy at eight and quickly emerged as one of the club’s brightest young goalkeeping prospects. He trained with Arsenal’s senior side during Unai Emery’s tenure and signed his first professional contract in 2021.

First‑team opportunities at the Emirates Stadium were limited, leading to loan spells at Crewe Alexandra and Austrian side Sturm Graz, where he gained valuable senior experience.

His career took a turn in September 2023 when Wrexham signed him after the retirement of veteran goalkeeper Ben Foster. Under the ownership of Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham’s global profile surged, and Okonkwo quickly became a fan favourite at the St James’ Park.

Arthur Okonkwo. Copyright: xKarlxVallantinexIMAGO

He helped the club win promotion from League Two in his first season and later became a central figure in their rise to the Championship. His rapid development has now opened the door to international football with Nigeria.

The Super Eagles have sought long‑term stability in goal for several years, with Stanley Nwabali currently the first‑choice keeper and Maduka Okoye also competing for a regular spot. Okonkwo’s arrival adds fresh competition and gives Chelle another high‑level option ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

There is growing excitement about the possibility of Okonkwo making his debut before a large Nigerian crowd in London during the Unity Cup.

Nigeria won the invitational tournament last year, defeating Ghana and Jamaica.