Super Eagles goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has reacted after helping Charlton Athletic secure a 0-0 draw against Queens Park Rangers and record his second clean sheet since joining the Championship club, Footynaija.com reports.
Okonkwo produced another assured display at The Valley on Wednesday night as the Addicks bounced back defensively following their heavy 4-0 defeat to Stoke City last weekend.
The Nigerian was called into action after the break, making a crucial reflex save with his left leg to deny Paul Smyth in a one-on-one situation as Charlton held on for a point.
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Speaking after the game, Okonkwo praised his teammates for the way they responded to the setback against Stoke.
“We knew it was going to be difficult, I thought the boys did well, especially after last week,” he said, per Charlton’s official website.
“I thought we defended really well and we were a bit unfortunate with decisions that went against us in the first half but in the end a clean sheet against a really good side is always good and we look to Saturday now.”
Charlton had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half, but Okonkwo and his teammates ultimately secured a point against a QPR side that had also made a strong start to the Championship campaign.
The goalkeeper also acknowledged the need for a reaction after the defeat to Stoke, admitting that Charlton’s defensive display had not been good enough in that game.
“The manager wanted to see a reaction from us defensively [following Saturday’s loss to Stoke City],” Okonkwo added.
“Today was a good reaction, we stayed strong, defended our box really well and were able to get a clean sheet. We’d have liked to have won but that’s football for you.”
Encouraging signs for Arthur Okonkwo ahead of AFCON qualifiers
The latest performance comes at an encouraging time for Okonkwo, who was recently handed another opportunity to impress at international level after receiving a call-up to Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad for the upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Okonkwo has already kept clean sheets in both of his senior appearances for Nigeria and will now hope his growing consistency at Charlton can strengthen his case ahead of the qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
