FIFA Clears Arthur Okonkwo To Switch Allegiance From England To Nigeria

Arthur Okonkwo, the Wrexham and former Arsenal goalkeeper, has changed his international allegiance from England to Nigeria after receiving FIFA approval.

The 24-year-old was born in London to Nigerian parents and had previously represented England across several youth levels, from Under-15 to Under-18, before deciding to commit his senior international future to Nigeria.

With FIFA now clearing the switch, Okonkwo is eligible to play for the Super Eagles at senior level, adding more depth to Nigeria’s goalkeeping options alongside Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, and Francis Uzoho.

Author Okonkwo began his football career at Arsenal’s academy before going on loan spells at Crewe Alexandra and Austrian side Sturm Graz.

He first joined Wrexham on loan in 2023 before making the move permanent the following year.

Since arriving, he has established himself as Wrexham’s first-choice goalkeeper, making 119 appearances and playing a major role in the club’s two promotions.

This season alone, he has featured in 42 matches across all competitions and recorded 10 clean sheets in 37 Championship games, placing him joint seventh in the division.

KanyiDaily recalls that in 2022, FIFA approved an application by a former England youth player, Ademola Lookman, to switch his allegiance to the Super Eagles of Nigeria.