The International Federation of Association Football has officially approved goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo’s switch of international allegiance from England to Nigeria, making the 24-year-old Wrexham custodian eligible to play for the Super Eagles.
The confirmation was recorded on FIFA’s Change of Association platform on April 6, 2026.
The PUNCH on Tuesday reported that Okonkwo’s national association is now listed as the Nigeria Football Federation on FIFA’s website, replacing his previous affiliation with The Football Association Ltd of England.
Born on September 9, 2001, in Camden, London, to Nigerian (Igbo) parents, Okonkwo stands between 1.98m and 1.99m tall and joined Arsenal’s academy at the age of eight.
He played for England at youth levels from 2015 to 2019, featuring for the U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-18 sides.
However, he has never made a senior appearance for the Three Lions, which cleared the way for his switch under FIFA’s eligibility regulations.
Okonkwo is currently Wrexham’s first-choice goalkeeper in the EFL Championship, having joined the club permanently from Arsenal.
This season, he has impressed with a series of strong performances and crucial saves, helping Wrexham establish themselves in the English second tier.
His form has made him a notable prospect for Nigeria’s goalkeeping department.
The decision followed talks with Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle during the Unity Cup in London last year. Administrative issues, however, prevented him from featuring at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Okonkwo’s inclusion strengthens the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping options, joining current choices Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye.
