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FIFA clears Wrexham’s Okonkwo to represent Nigeria

The International Federation of Association Football has confirmed goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo’s change of international allegiance from England to Nigeria, making the 24-year-old Wrexham player eligible to represent the Super Eagles.

The approval was listed on FIFA’s Change of Association platform on April 6, 2026.

Checks on FIFA’s website show Okonkwo’s national association has been updated to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), replacing The Football Association Ltd of England.

Born on September 9, 2001, in Camden, London, to Nigerian (Igbo) parents, Okonkwo began his career at Arsenal’s academy at the age of eight.

He represented England at youth level from 2015 to 2019, playing for the U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-18 teams. However, he did not feature for the senior team, making him eligible for the switch.

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Okonkwo is currently the first-choice goalkeeper for Wrexham in the EFL Championship after joining the club permanently from Arsenal.

He has made 119 appearances for the club and played a role in their promotions. This season, he has featured in 42 matches across competitions, with 10 clean sheets in 37 league games.

The switch followed talks with Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle during the Unity Cup in London last year, although administrative processes prevented his inclusion in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

His inclusion adds to Nigeria’s goalkeeping options, which include Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye.

Femi Akinyemi

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