Super Eagles goalkeeper, Arthur Okonkwo, has been called up for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The invitation was confirmed by Charlton Athletic on Monday, with the former Arsenal academy goalkeeper set to join Eric Chelle’s squad for the September international window.
Okonkwo, 24, has made two appearances for Nigeria at senior level, keeping clean sheets in both games.
He made his international debut in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup semi-final at The Valley in London on May 26.
Four days later, he was again between the posts as the Super Eagles defeated Jamaica 3-0 in the final.
The goalkeeper impressed during both outings, producing important saves when called upon and showing composure against Jamaica as Nigeria secured another clean-sheet victory.
However, Okonkwo will now face a different test as Nigeria begin their competitive campaign for a place at the 2027 AFCON.
According to the Confederation of African Football, Nigeria will host Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for the second fixture on September 29.
Chelle faces goalkeeping selection dilemma
Okonkwo’s return provides Chelle with another option in an area where the coach has several established choices.
The goalkeeper developed through Arsenal’s youth system and subsequently had loan spells with Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz before becoming a key player at Wrexham.
He moved to Charlton Athletic on a season-long loan during the summer and has already featured four times for the club.
Despite Okonkwo’s impressive start to his international career, he is expected to face strong competition for the starting position.
Stanley Nwabali remains a leading contender after establishing himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during recent international assignments, while Udinese’s Maduka Okoye also remains in contention.
Chelle therefore has three notable options to consider, with Okonkwo boasting two clean sheets from his two appearances, Nwabali offering greater international experience and Okoye bringing his own wealth of top-level exposure.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania.
Tanzania have already secured their place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament’s co-hosts. As a result, only the highest-ranked qualifying team apart from Tanzania will claim the group’s additional qualification ticket.
