AFCON 2025
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has confirmed that goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is set to make his debut for the Super Eagles at the upcoming Unity Cup tournament next month at the Valley Stadium in London. Arthur Okonkwo recently switched allegiance from England to Nigeria after featuring for the Three Lions at the youth level.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper, who represented England at U16, U17, and U18 levels, received FIFA approval on Monday to play for Nigeria at the senior level.
According to an NFF official who spoke to ESPN, the Wrexham goalkeeper showed enthusiasm about the move, which helped speed up the process of switching nationalities for the federation.
The official also added that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is eager to bring the goalkeeper into his plans for the tournament.”He was very enthusiastic about switching allegiance and playing for Nigeria, and that made things easier for us,” the official said.
“The coach {Eric Chelle} wants him, and would like to have him in the squad as soon as possible.”Okonkwo’s standout form this season has only strengthened his claim for a senior call-up.
The 24-year-old has featured in 42 matches across all competitions and kept 10 clean sheets in 37 Championship games, putting him among the top-performing keepers in the English second division.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles are scheduled to open their Unity Cup campaign against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic in England, and might take on either Jamaica or India in the final should they win against the Warriors.
The Super Eagles are the most successful and defending champions of the Unity Cup, having lifted the trophy in the previous edition after beating Jamaica on 5-4 penalties after the match in a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Arthur Okonkwo could also be part of Eric Chelle’s squad for the June friendlies against Portugal and Poland.
