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FIFA Clears Arthur Okonkwo for Nigeria Switch

Published

2 months ago

February 27, 2026

FIFA clears Arthur Okonkwo to represent Nigeria, making the Wrexham goalkeeper eligible for the March international window

World football governing body FIFA has cleared Arthur Okonkwo to represent Nigeria, making the Wrexham goalkeeper eligible for selection ahead of the March international window.

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Arthur Okonkwo, 24, is now available for the Super Eagles as they prepare for a four nation invitational tournament in Amman, Jordan.

Nigeria will face Iran on March 27 before taking on hosts Jordan four days later at the Amman International Stadium. The team is scheduled to open camp on March 24.

The clearance comes amid uncertainty surrounding first choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who is currently without a club.

FIFA approved Arthur Okonkwo’s switch of allegiance from England to Nigeria in January 2026, concluding a formal eligibility process.

Born in London to Nigerian parents, Arthur Okonkwo represented England at youth level between 2015 and 2019, featuring for the Under 15, Under 16, Under 17 and Under 18 sides.

The decision followed discussions with Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle during the Unity Cup in London last year.

Administrative procedures, however, ruled Arthur Okonkwo out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

At club level, Arthur Okonkwo has been a regular for Wrexham this season after stepping in for Danny Ward, who sustained an elbow injury.

The former Arsenal goalkeeper has recorded six clean sheets in 20 league appearances.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson praised the goalkeeper’s steady rise.

“Arthur is a very influential signing for us when we first brought him in. He is a player who has adapted well despite a few injuries along the way. He has always responded strongly and is improving all the time,” Phil Parkinson said.