Wrexham’s Arthur Okonkwo cleared by FIFA to represent Nigeria | OneFootball

FIFA has approved Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo’s switch of international allegiance from England to Nigeria, making him available for selection, according to NY Times.

Born in London to Nigerian parents, the 24-year-old represented England from under-15 to under-18. He now joins a goalkeeping pool that includes No 1 Stanley Nwabali, Udinese’s Maduka Okoye and Omonia’s Francis Uzoho.

Okonkwo came through Arsenal’s academy, had loans at Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz, then moved to Wrexham on loan in summer 2023, a deal made permanent the following summer.

He has established himself as the Welsh side’s first-choice, making 119 appearances and contributing to two promotions.

This season he has played 42 times in all competitions and kept 10 clean sheets in 37 Championship matches, the joint seventh-highest tally in the division.

If called up, he could reunite with fellow former Arsenal academy players Alex Iwobi and Semi Ajayi. Nigeria finished third at the Africa Cup of Nations last winter after a semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco.

They also failed to qualify for this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico after losing their continental play-off to DR Congo, who have since confirmed their qualification. Nigeria face India on 26 May and Poland on 3 June in friendlies, while Wrexham, sixth in the Championship and chasing a fourth consecutive promotion, visit seventh-placed Southampton on Tuesday.

Source: NY Times