Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Abiodun Baruwa has urged caution over the growing hype surrounding Arthur Okonkwo, insisting he needs to see more of the Wrexham shot-stopper, Footynaija.com reports.
Okonkwo is one of several young players introduced into the national team setup since Eric Chelle took charge of the Super Eagles.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper made his senior international debut during Nigeria’s Unity Cup campaign in May and impressed by keeping clean sheets in comfortable victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica as the Super Eagles lifted the trophy.
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At club level, the former Arsenal academy goalkeeper enjoyed an impressive campaign with Wrexham, making 39 Championship appearances while recording 10 clean sheets and 121 saves.
Having joined the Welsh club permanently in 2024 following a successful loan spell, he has established himself as the club’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.
Despite the encouraging start to his international career, Baruwa believes it is still too early to make a comprehensive assessment of Okonkwo’s abilities.
“I saw him briefly. Ball handling is okay but I need to see more of him because I never watch him with Wrexham,” Baruwa said in quotes revealed by Complete Sports.
“I saw him for a couple of minutes, he is decent, he is doing what he is supposed to be doing. But, it takes time to build to this level.”
With Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye also vying for the Super Eagles’ number one shirt, Okonkwo faces stiff competition for a regular starting berth. However, his early performances and strong club form suggest he could play an increasingly important role for Chelle’s side in the years ahead.
