Former Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has explained his decision to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria ahead of the Unity Cup in London, citing his ambition to win trophies with the Super Eagles.
Okonkwo, who enjoyed an impressive season on loan at Wrexham in the Championship, is expected to receive his first call-up under Nigeria manager Éric Chelle when the squad list for the tournament is officially announced.
Speaking to Super Eagles media team, Okonkwo described his excitement at finally being eligible to represent Nigeria, emphasizing how discussions with the national team setup began last summer.
“It's an honour to be given the opportunity to play for your country. I am so excited and I can't wait,” Okonkwo revealed. “I have been wanting this moment for a while now and to finally have the opportunity is incredible.”
“It started last summer, I spoke to the manager and the goalie coach. They showed their interest in me and the conversation was very positive. Ever since that point, we have been trying to get my switch done from England to Nigeria,” he added.
Okonkwo also revealed the emotional moment he received confirmation of his selection, noting that the goalkeeping coach was the first to inform him.
“When the moment finally arose, the goalie coach was the first to message me, to let me know that I have been selected for the camp.”
“You feel so much excitement. The first two people I called first are my dad and my mom. I am so happy and proud. I have not even told the rest of the family but soon they would find out and I am sure they would be so excited.”
The young goalkeeper said his decision to switch allegiance to Nigeria was driven by his ambition to win trophies with the Super Eagles.
“The reason why I made the decision is because I want to win trophies for my country. I know how much Nigerians love football, how important it is to them, and being able to do that for my country and where I am from would be incredible.”
Okonkwo stressed his ambition to establish himself as a reliable presence for the Super Eagles, highlighting trust and consistency as his main objectives.
“I think the most important relationship I want to build with them is trust. It takes time but I want to become a consistent performer for the country,” he said.
“I want to be someone who they can trust in their goal every game. To get there, I have to first integrate with the team, learn the way we play, connect with my defenders and with everyone on the pitch.”
The 24-year-old also acknowledged the expectations of Nigerian fans, noting that he intends to embrace the pressure and emotional intensity that comes with representing the national team.
“I know it is a process but I want to work towards this and build that trust with the fans. Fans in the whole of football have their feelings towards every game.
“I understand. The same feeling they have, I will also be feeling them too. That's another thing that would help with the trust.
“Being connected to the fans, feeling how they feel, I am sure will help me play for the badge even more and fight for the country.
“The one thing I love to do is to make saves. I hope I can make many for Nigeria and I hope I can become a legend. That's what we work towards and I hope they can enjoy my saves.”
The Wrexham goalkeeper praised Samuel Chukwueze for his lively attitude in camp, while revealing that he would be closest to Ryan Alebiosu, owing to their long-standing relationship.
“Personally, Ryan Alebiosu because I have known him for a long time. But, if I was going to choose someone else in the team currently, it would be Chukwueze. He seems mad and funny. I would choose him, I don't know him personally but I just know he would have good vibes and be funny.”
He also reflected on his earliest memories of supporting the Super Eagles, recalling Nigeria’s triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, which he watched with his father, and citing players such as John Obi Mikel, Vincent Enyeama, Ahmed Musa, and Victor Moses as inspirations.
“It will be Nigeria winning the AFCON in 2013. I watched that with my dad. I just remembered him being so happy. At that age, for me I was 12 years old, it doesn't really mean much to you because you are just supporting the team that your dad supports. But that's the biggest memory I can remember of the Super Eagles. John Obi Mikel, Enyeama, Musa, and Moses.”
The Super Eagles will face Zimbabwe om May 26 as they look to defend the Unity Cup title they won last year at the Gtech Community Stadium in London.
Adeyemi Adewale
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