Our Correspondent
Fresh from a dream first outing with Nigeria’s senior national team, Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has set his sights on winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing it as his biggest ambition as he continues to establish himself at international level.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a remarkable debut window in June under Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, keeping two clean sheets as Nigeria clinched the Unity Cup in London.
Okonkwo helped Nigeria secure victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica to win a record fourth Unity Cup title before gaining further experience in international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
Although the Super Eagles drew 2–2 with Poland and narrowly lost 2–1 to Portugal, the former Arsenal academy goalkeeper said the matches provided valuable lessons as he begins his international career.
“It’s my first time in the Nigeria team and I’m just taking it all in,” Okonkwo said. “It was really good to see how we operate against difficult opponents. I’m just enjoying the experience day by day and I’m thankful for the opportunity.”
The shot-stopper, who kept nine clean sheets in 35 Championship appearances for Wrexham last season, said he has approached his national team role with humility, focusing on learning from senior goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye rather than competing immediately for the number one shirt.
“Uzoho and Maduka are very good goalkeepers,” he said. “They’ve been here longer and understand the system better. I’m just learning from them and trying to adapt.”
Nigeria, three-time African champions, are aiming to end a 14-year wait for continental success, having last won the AFCON in 2013. The Super Eagles finished runners-up in 2023 and won bronze in 2025.
Okonkwo said lifting the AFCON trophy remains his biggest dream.
“My biggest dream is to help this country win AFCON. It’s been too long,” he said. “And also to qualify for the World Cup and go as far as possible. We have a great team and can dream big.”
At club level, Okonkwo remains focused on helping Wrexham achieve promotion to the English Premier League after narrowly missing out on the Championship playoffs last season.
“We were close and it hurts a bit, but we had a good season,” he said. “The target now is to push for promotion next season. That has been the plan since I joined.”
With one year left on his contract and no extension talks yet, his future remains open, though the goalkeeper insists his focus remains on football.
Okonkwo, who came through Arsenal’s Hale End Academy alongside Bukayo Saka, also revealed he remains in contact with the Arsenal star.
“I still talk to Bukayo,” he said. “They had an unbelievable season, even though they were disappointed not to win the final. They’ll go again next season.”
For Okonkwo, June marked a significant step in his career—an assured international debut and a growing belief that he can become a key figure for the Super Eagles in their pursuit of continental glory.
