Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is in line for a first-ever call-up to the Super Eagles as Nigeria prepares for the next international window, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
Nigeria are scheduled to face Jordan and Iran in a mini-tournament in Amman next month, as the team regroups for the first time since the Africa Cup of Nations.
Okonkwo has long been linked with an international switch to Nigeria, and this year could finally see him commit his future to the three-time African champions.
Five players who could make debut for Nigeria before AFCON 2027
Although a call-up appears likely, the Nigeria Football Federation’s Head of International Competitions, Dayo Enebi, has stressed that the process is not yet complete.
“The process is still ongoing and has not been completed yet,” Enebi exclusively told Footy-Africa. “Okonkwo is one we are looking at, but as of today, his international switch has not been concluded.”
A member of the NFF’s Technical Committee also confirmed that the goalkeeper is among several players being monitored for possible inclusion in the squad.
“Yes, even though I cannot publicly say it because it isn’t my duty to do so, I can confirm that Okonkwo is definitely one of the players being primed to switch to Nigeria even though the switch is still in progress,” the official said. “From what I know, there are others too, as the coaching crew is looking to strengthen areas where reinforcements are needed.”
Four new Super Eagles call-up contenders as Eric Chelle begins squad rebuild
“Don’t forget Ola Aina is back, and Frederick will return as well. If we add these players to the three or four new faces we hope to introduce, the team can only get stronger. I think the coach will invite Okonkwo for the tournament in Amman. It is not an official competition, so even if his switch is not completed by then, he can still come to train and familiarise himself with the team,” he added.
The 24-year-old, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, came through the ranks at Arsenal and represented England at youth level from Under-15 to Under-18.
This season, Okonkwo has made 35 appearances for Wrexham, keeping nine clean sheets.
