Arthur Okonkwo has set his sights on lifting the Africa Cup of Nations as his main international objective, following an impressive opening spell with Nigeria that featured two clean sheets as the Super Eagles claimed the Unity Cup in London.
Breakthrough month for Okonkwo
- Okonkwo, 24, earned his senior debut for Nigeria under head coach Eric Chelle in June.
- He kept the goalkeeper’s record spotless in victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica, performances that helped Nigeria secure a record fourth Unity Cup crown.
- He then stepped into a series of higher-profile friendlies against Poland and Portugal, adding to his experience even as Nigeria drew 2-2 and lost 2-1 to the fifth-ranked World Cup team.
Speaking about the experience, Okonkwo said it was his first time in the national setup and that he was soaking everything in. He highlighted the value of watching how Nigeria manage games against challenging opponents day by day, adding that he was grateful for the chance to contribute.
The Wrexham shot-stopper, a former Arsenal academy graduate, arrived at this international stretch after recording nine clean sheets across 35 Championship appearances last season. Rather than trying to force his way into the starting role, he focused on absorbing lessons from more established international goalkeepers, naming Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye as key figures in his development.
Okonkwo praised Uzoho and Okoye as top-level goalkeepers, explaining that training provides the best education but that he had also been able to study them closely because they have been with the team longer. He said they understand the team’s system and details better than he does, which has helped him settle into the rhythm of international football.
AFCON focus as Nigeria chase continental glory
With Nigeria missing out on qualification for consecutive World Cups in 2022 and 2026, the spotlight has shifted to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles, three-time winners, are aiming to end a 14-year stretch without continental title success. Nigeria last won the tournament in 2013, reached the final in 2023, and collected bronze in 2025.
Okonkwo described helping Nigeria win AFCON as his biggest dream, stressing that it has been too long since the country last tasted glory. He also linked the ambition to World Cup qualification and the hope of going as far as possible, saying he believes Nigeria has the quality to dream about winning the World Cup.
Wrexham future and push for promotion
While his international attention grows, Okonkwo remains focused on club business at Wrexham. He is determined to help the Championship club return to the Premier League after they narrowly missed out on the promotion play-offs, finishing seventh. With one year remaining on his deal and no extension discussions reported so far, his situation is expected to draw substantial interest this summer.
Okonkwo rejected the idea that Wrexham’s campaign ended in disappointment, arguing that the team did well and that the clear next step is to push for promotion next season. He insisted the plan has been consistent since he joined and said he does not see that changing.
He also reflected on his links to Arsenal through youth development, noting that he moved through the same Hale End Academy pathway as Bukayo Saka. Okonkwo said he recently spoke with the Arsenal vice-captain after Arsenal’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final, describing Saka as disappointed but still upbeat about what comes next.
Okonkwo said he still talks to Bukayo the most, adding that Arsenal’s run to the final was an extraordinary achievement. He said Saka was proud of their season despite the setback and believes the squad will come back stronger next term.
