Super Eagles News Today: Esin’s warning to Chelle, Arokodare’s Beşiktaş links & more

Here is what is making headlines around the Super Eagles, including Arthur Okonkwo’s FIFA clearance, Etim Esin’s midfield warning, and more.

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Okonkwo cleared for Super Eagles duty

Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has been officially cleared by FIFA to represent the Super Eagles after completing his switch of allegiance from England.

The 24-year-old, who came through Arsenal’s academy, is now expected to receive his maiden call-up for the upcoming Unity Cup in London at the end of May.

“He was very enthusiastic about switching allegiance and playing for Nigeria, and that made things easier for us,” an NFF official told ESPN. “The coach wants him, and would like to have him in the squad as soon as possible.”

With Stanley Nwabali currently without a club after leaving Chippa United, and Maduka Okoye pushing his case at Udinese, the goalkeeping race is now more open than it has been in years.

Esin warns Chelle: Eagles still lack a true playmaker

Former Super Eagles midfielder Etim Esin has warned that despite improvements under Eric Chelle, Nigeria still lack a genuine creative midfielder in the mould of past greats like Henry Nwosu and Jay-Jay Okocha.

“I think we are still looking for that creative talented midfield player,” Esin said on the Play Zone Podcast.

“Lookman comes into that but not really for Nigeria. For his club, he does that very well but when it comes to Nigeria, I think we still need that creativity in the middle of the park.”

Esin acknowledged that Alex Iwobi has taken on much of the creative responsibility behind the strikers but insisted more is needed ahead of the next AFCON qualifying cycle in September.

Arokodare: Beşiktaş plot Super Lig reunion

Turkish giants Beşiktaş are reportedly planning a summer move for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare, hoping to reunite the Super Eagles forward with his former KRC Genk strike partner Oh Hyeon-gyu.

With Wolves heading for relegation from the Premier League, top-flight clubs are already circling for their best talent. Beşiktaş believe the presence of Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi in their squad would help Arokodare settle quickly, though his €22 million valuation could prove a stumbling block.

Fenerbahçe are also reportedly monitoring the 25-year-old’s situation.

Super Eagles to defend Unity Cup crown in London

The Super Eagles have confirmed they will defend their Unity Cup title in London later in May, with the four-nation tournament set to feature Nigeria, India, Jamaica, and Zimbabwe at The Valley, Charlton, from May 26 to 30.

Nigeria won the 2025 edition in dramatic fashion, edging Jamaica 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the final at Brentford Community Stadium. Coach Eric Chelle is expected to use the tournament to integrate new faces, including Okonkwo, ahead of the high-profile friendlies against Portugal and Poland in June.