Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle eager to unleash ex-Arsenal man on Portugal, Poland

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is already planning how to bring Arthur Okonkwo into his squad following the goalkeeper’s long-awaited international clearance, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 24-year-old, who came through Arsenal’s academy, was officially approved by FIFA to switch allegiance from England to Nigeria on April 6, 2026. That decision now makes him eligible to represent the Super Eagles, ending months of waiting caused by administrative delays that ruled him out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Okonkwo, born in London to Nigerian parents, had represented England at youth level but never made a senior appearance, leaving the door open for a one-time switch. With the paperwork now completed, Chelle is wasting no time.

According to an official familiar with the process, the Nigeria coach is keen to include the Wrexham goalkeeper in upcoming fixtures, including the Unity Cup in London and friendly matches against Portugal and Poland.

“He was very enthusiastic about switching allegiance and playing for Nigeria, and that made things easier for us,” the NFF official told ESPN.

“The coach wants him, and would like to have him in the squad as soon as possible.”

Chelle’s urgency reflects both belief in Okonkwo’s qualities and a desire to strengthen competition in a key position. The goalkeeper has impressed this season at Wrexham, recording 11 clean sheets in 42 appearances and standing out for his commanding presence and ability with the ball at his feet.

Those qualities appear to fit perfectly into Chelle’s preferred possession-based system, where goalkeepers are expected to contribute to build-up play rather than simply stop shots.

Okonkwo: A tough road to Super Eagles number one

Despite the excitement around his arrival, Okonkwo faces a difficult challenge if he is to become Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper.

The Super Eagles currently have a crowded and complicated goalkeeping situation.

Stanley Nwabali has been the first-choice for a couple of years, largely due to his experience and regular playing time at club level. He has built trust with Chelle and remains the safest option for now. However, his current status as a free agent has cost him his place in the squad, but a return to club football could quickly change his fortunes.

Francis Uzoho, who was once considered Nigeria’s first choice after an impressive World Cup campaign in 2018, has fallen out of favour.

Maduka Okoye presents another strong option. The Udinese goalkeeper is enjoying good form in Italy, but his relationship with the national team has been questioned after he reportedly declined a call-up for the 2025 AFCON without assurances over a starting role.

There is also Amas Obasogie, who has been involved in recent squads mainly as a backup option.

Into this mix steps Okonkwo; young, in form, and tactically suited to Chelle’s ideas, but still untested at international level.

His height and command of the penalty area give him a physical edge, while his distribution could make him valuable in matches where Nigeria want to dominate possession. However, international football brings pressure, expectations, and intense scrutiny, especially in a position where mistakes are often decisive.

Chelle’s eagerness to integrate him quickly suggests Okonkwo will get opportunities soon. But displacing established names and handling the demands of playing for Nigeria will be the real test.