Okonkwo: Super Eagles’ new goalie option raises doubts after swallowing 5 goals in one game

On Tuesday, April 8, world football’s governing body, FIFA, confirmed that Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has officially switched his international allegiance from England to Nigeria, Afrik-Foot reports.

​The news follows months of speculation regarding his future. Although born in England to Nigerian parents, Okonkwo represented the former at the youth level.

However, after failing to receive a senior call-up for England, he opted to join the Super Eagles, a move now ratified by FIFA.

​Unfortunately, his first day as an official Nigerian footballer was one to forget. The 25-year-old started in goal for Wrexham as they hosted Southampton at the Racecourse Ground for their Championship fixture, and he and his teammates were soundly beaten.

The Saints scored five goals, courtesy of Kuryu Matsuki, Flynn Downes, Cyle Larin, Ross Stewart, and Finn Azaz.

​The heavy defeat was not a reflection of Okonkwo’s individual performance, as he recorded four saves during the match. Instead, his leaky defense proved to be his undoing.

Still, the fact that he conceded five goals in a single game will definitely raise questions about his quality and whether he can deliver for the Super Eagles on the big stage.

​Can Arthur Okonkwo Become a Key Player for the Super Eagles?

​The 24-year-old’s arrival signals intense competition for the Super Eagles’ current goalkeeping department, which includes Francis Uzoho, Maduka Okoye, and the current number one, Stanley Nwabali. As such, these players will have to work even harder when the national team camp resumes.

​Maduka Okoye has performed quite well since returning to the squad, and given his experience in Serie A—a top-flight European league—he will be difficult to displace.

​While Okonkwo is a talented prospect, he likely need a dip in form from the other goalkeepers to secure a starting role.

For now, his immediate priority will be recovering from the heavy defeat against Southampton and maintaining Wrexham’s momentum in their push for promotion to the Premier League.

The spanking against Southampton leaves Wrexham sitting 7th on the Championship table. They are just points behind the Saints who have a game in hand. With five games left to play, Okonkwo and his side can still make the playoffs.