FIFA approves Arthur Okonkwo’s switch to represent Nigeria

The world football governing body FIFA has approved the international eligibility switch of goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, allowing him to represent Nigeria at the senior level.

The approval confirms that the 24-year-old, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, has formally changed his international allegiance from England to Nigeria after previously representing England at youth levels.

According to FIFA’s official Change of Association process, Okonkwo is now eligible to feature for Nigeria’s senior national team starting from the next international window.

He had represented England from under-15 to under-18 level before opting to switch allegiance in line with FIFA eligibility rules for players with dual nationality.

Club form and career background

Okonkwo currently plays for Wrexham, where he has made 42 appearances across all competitions this season, recording 11 clean sheets.

He began his career at the Arsenal academy and went on to gain experience through loan spells before joining Wrexham permanently in 2024.

His arrival adds to Nigeria’s goalkeeping pool, which already includes Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, and Francis Uzoho.

The development comes as Nigeria prepares for upcoming international fixtures against Portugal and Poland as part of preparations for major competitions, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup build-up and Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns.

Okonkwo’s inclusion is expected to intensify competition for the number one goalkeeper position in the national team setup.

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