By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Fresh from an impressive start to his international career, Super Eagles goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has set his sights on helping Nigeria win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing continental success as his biggest ambition.
The 24-year-old Wrexham goalkeeper enjoyed a dream senior debut for Nigeria during the June international window, keeping two clean sheets as the Super Eagles lifted the Unity Cup in London.
Okonkwo featured as Nigeria claimed victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica to secure a record fourth Unity Cup title before gaining further valuable experience in high-profile friendlies against Poland and World Cup-bound Portugal.
Although Nigeria drew 2-2 with Poland and suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Portugal, the former Arsenal academy graduate believes the experience marked an important step in his international development.
“It’s my first time in the Nigeria team, and I’m just taking it all in,” Okonkwo said.
“It was really good to watch how we operate against difficult opponents this month. I’m just enjoying the experience day by day. I’m just so thankful for the opportunity.”
Despite arriving in the national team after an impressive Championship campaign with Wrexham, where he recorded nine clean sheets in 35 league appearances, Okonkwo said he has embraced the opportunity to learn from more experienced Super Eagles goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye.
“Uzoho and Maduka are two very good goalkeepers,” he said.
“You learn things during training, and I was able to watch them because they’ve been here longer than me. They understand how we play, the system and everything much better than I do.
“It’s just about taking everything in, understanding the way we play and bringing it into my own game.”
With Nigeria now turning attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations following consecutive FIFA World Cup qualification disappointments, Okonkwo believes ending the country’s long wait for another continental title should be the team’s primary objective.
The Super Eagles last won the AFCON in 2013 before finishing runners-up in 2023 and claiming bronze in 2025.
“My biggest dream would be helping this country win AFCON,” he said.
“It’s been too long. And, of course, to qualify for the World Cup and go as far as possible. I think we have the best country, and we can dream of winning the World Cup.”
At club level, Okonkwo remains focused on helping Wrexham secure promotion to the Premier League after the Welsh club narrowly missed the Championship promotion playoffs by finishing seventh last season.
“I don’t think it was a sad ending,” he said.
“Obviously, we were close, so it hurts a little, but we did really well this season. The next thing is to push for promotion next season. That’s been the idea since I’ve been there, and I don’t see any change.”
Although his contract has just one year remaining, the goalkeeper insists his immediate focus is on continuing his development and playing regular football.
Okonkwo also reflected on his Arsenal roots, revealing he remains close friends with England international Bukayo Saka, whom he recently spoke with following Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
“The one in the squad I still talk to the most is Bukayo,” he said.
“He was a bit sad, but they had such an unbelievable season. They took PSG all the way, and they’re really proud of themselves, as they should be.
“The club has done so well, and that’s the conversation I had with him. He’s still positive, and I think they’ll go again next season.”
Having announced himself confidently on the international stage, Okonkwo now hopes to establish himself as a key figure for the Super Eagles as Nigeria begins its quest for continental success and a return to the FIFA World Cup.
