Super Eagles: Ex-Arsenal star speaks on winning Unity Cup with Nigeria

Arthur Okonkwo says winning the Unity Cup with the Super Eagles was the perfect way to bring his season to an end after helping Nigeria lift the trophy in London, Afrik-Foot reports.

After making his international debut in the 2-0 semifinal win over Zimbabwe, Okonkwo was again the preferred first choice against Jamaica.

The former Arsenal goalkeeper did not disappoint as he helped the Super Eagles secure a comfortable 3-0 victory against the Reggae Boyz on Saturday night to successfully retain the Unity Cup title. The victory adds another positive step for the 24-year-old, who only recently completed his international switch from England to Nigeria.

Okonkwo, who represented England at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-18 levels earlier in his career, was one of several players handed an opportunity by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle during the four-nation tournament. The goalkeeper seized that chance impressively, keeping another clean sheet as Nigeria produced one of their most convincing performances of the competition.

Speaking after the final whistle, the Wrexham goalkeeper admitted that ending the campaign with a trophy was something he had not expected.

“It’s amazing! I didn’t know that my season would end with a trophy,” Okonkwo told Proudly Austin. “I am so happy to be able to achieve it with this team.”

The success capped an encouraging year for the shot-stopper. During the recently concluded league season, he registered 10 clean sheets in 39 appearances for Wrexham as the Welsh club pushed for a playoff place before narrowly falling short.

His form at club level carried into the international stage. In his first two appearances for Nigeria, Okonkwo has yet to concede a goal, giving supporters another reason to be excited about the country’s goalkeeping options ahead of future competitions.

Super Eagles: Looking ahead to Poland and Portugal

Okonkwo revealed that the Super Eagles approached the Jamaica match with a clear objective from their coach, who demanded intensity and competitiveness from his players.

“The manager wanted us to really compete today (on Saturday), which I think the team did,” he added.

Nigeria responded by controlling the contest and finishing as worthy champions in front of a large crowd in London. It was a tournament that provided coach Chelle an opportunity to assess new faces, home-based talents and fringe players as he continues shaping his squad.

Despite using the Unity Cup to experiment with several options, the coach has decided to retain Okonkwo for Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal. The former Arsenal academy graduate is among the few Unity Cup debutants who have earned places in the squad for the high-profile European fixtures.

He will now compete alongside Maduka Okoye and Francis Uzoho for a place in goal after first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was left out of the squad following his departure from South African side Chippa United.

Nigeria have already moved on from their Unity Cup celebrations and are currently training in Warsaw ahead of Wednesday’s clash against Poland at the PGE Narodowy Stadium. They will then face Portugal on June 10 at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria.

While pleased with his start in Nigerian colours, Okonkwo insists he is far from satisfied.

“There’s only more to prove but the first few games, I am happy with the results and keep going.”

Having already collected his first trophy with Nigeria, Okonkwo now has the opportunity to strengthen his claim for a long-term place in the Super Eagles squad as the team prepares for two major tests in Europe.