Charlton Athletic have confirmed that goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has been called up to the Super Eagles squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, Footynaija.com reports.
The 24-year-old has earned another opportunity with the national team after making a strong impression during the Unity Cup in London earlier this year.
Okonkwo made his Super Eagles debut during the tournament and started both games as Nigeria lifted the trophy after registering consecutive wins and keeping clean sheets against Zimbabwe and Jamaica.
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He was particularly impressive as he earned his first two international caps and established him as one of the emerging options in Nigeria’s goalkeeping department.
Since joining Charlton on a season-long loan from Wrexham in August, Okonkwo has gone on to quickly establish himself as the Addicks’ first-choice goalkeeper.
He made an immediate impression on his debut, producing a Man of the Match display in Charlton’s 2-1 away victory over West Ham United after making eight saves.
Okonkwo has now made four appearances for the Championship side, giving him regular competitive football ahead of his return to the Super Eagles setup.
Okonkwo faces competition for Super Eagles spot
Charlton confirmed on Monday that the goalkeeper has been included in Nigeria’s squad for their upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
The Super Eagles will host Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau four days later as they continue their qualification campaign.
However, Okonkwo will certainly face stiff competition for a place in Eric Chelle’s starting XI, with Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali also expected to be options for the Super Eagles boss.
Having already made his international breakthrough at the Unity Cup, Okonkwo will now hope his strong start to life at Charlton can help him push his way further up the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping pecking order.
