Arthur Okonkwo of Wrexham celebrates after Paul Mullin of Wrexham scores his team’s first goal during . Read more
Arthur Okonkwo of Wrexham celebrates after Paul Mullin of Wrexham scores his team’s first goal during . Read more
the Sky Bet League Two match between Wrexham and Mansfield
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Arsenal loanee celebrates promotion as Nigeria consider call-up
Arsenal’s young goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is making headlines for his impressive performances on loan with Wrexham AFC.
The 22-year-old’s contributions have been key to their promotion to League One, and his form has even caught the eye of the Nigeria Football Federation, who are reportedly considering him for a potential national team call-up.
: Arthur Okonkwo of Wrexham looks on in the rain during the Sky Bet League Two match between Wrexham and Mansfield Town at Racecourse Ground on March 29, 2024 in Wrexham, Wales. ( of Wrexham looks on in the rain during the Sky Bet League Two match between Wrexham and Mansfield Town at Racecourse Ground on March
Arsenal-owned goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is celebrating a major career milestone with Wrexham, who have secured promotion to League One. Okonkwo’s outstanding performances, including a spot on the EFL Team of Midweek this week, have also caught the attention of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Okonkwo has been instrumental in Wrexham’s success this season, earning praise for his consistent displays between the posts. His performances in the 4-1 victory over Crawley Town and the 6-0 win over Forest Green that sealed Wrexham’s second promotion in two years helped them seal another six points.
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WREXHAM, WALES – MARCH 29: Arthur Okonkwo of Wrexham during the Sky Bet League Two match between Wrexham and Mansfield Town at Racecourse Ground on March 29, 2024 in Wrexham, Wales. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
WREXHAM, WALES – MARCH 29: Arthur Okonkwo of Wrexham during the Sky Bet League Two match between Wrexham and Mansfield Town at Racecourse Ground on March 29, 2024 in Wrexham, Wales. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
The NFF’s interest in Okonkwo is no surprise. Technical director Augustine Eguavoen has reportedly engaged in talks with the young goalkeeper about a potential call-up to the Super Eagles. Given his form and trajectory, Okonkwo could become a valuable asset for Nigeria’s national team.
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A move to the Super Eagles would be a major step in his promising career. His time at Arsenal has provided a strong foundation, and his loan spell at Wrexham has given him the first-team experience needed to thrive at the highest level.
Okonkwo’s success is a testament to the exciting atmosphere at Wrexham, who are making waves under the ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Speaking on Saturday after promotion was clinched, Reynolds said, “A few years ago, if you told me I would be crying tears of joy over a football match taking place in North Wales, you would be Rob McElhenney. Congrats to Wrexham and to my co-chairman in crime. Double up the town! This is the ride of our lives.”
Lee Hurley has been a professional writer for nearly 30 years and established LadyArse.com, DailyCannon’s former inception, in 2008. He has been an Arsenal supporter since 1987 and has written for The Guardian, Vice, Huck, Paddy Power, The Mirror, Metro and the Gooner Fanzine amongst many others and also co-owns TransWrites.world.
