Super Eagles: Okonkwo gets call-up for 2027 AFCON qualifiers

Charlton Athletic have confirmed that Arthur Okonkwo has received a call-up ahead of this month’s Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper has earned another opportunity with the national team after making a strong impression during the 2026 Unity Cup in London May this year.

Okonkwo made his Super Eagles debut during the Unity Cup and started both games as Nigeria lifted the trophy after registering wins and keeping clean sheets against Zimbabwe and Jamaica.

He was particularly impressive, earning his first two international caps and establishing himself as one of the emerging options in Nigeria’s goalkeeping department.

Since joining Charlton on a season-long loan from Wrexham in August, Okonkwo has quickly established himself as the Addicks’ first-choice goalkeeper.

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He made an immediate impression on his debut, producing a Man of the Match display in Charlton’s 2-1 away victory over West Ham United after making eight saves.

Okonkwo has now made four appearances for the Championship side, giving him regular competitive football ahead of his return to the Super Eagles setup.

Charlton confirmed on Monday that the goalkeeper has been included in Nigeria’s squad for their upcoming AFCON qualifiers.

The Super Eagles will host Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau four days later as they continue their qualification campaign.

However, Okonkwo will certainly face stiff competition for a place in Eric Chelle’s starting XI, with Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali also expected to be options for the Super Eagles boss.