Exclusive: Arthur Okonkwo Opens Up on Nigeria Debut, Wrexham Project and Saka Conversation
Arthur Okonkwo’s international career took a new turn in June, from making his Super Eagles debut and recording back-to-back clean sheets on the way to a Unity Cup winners’ medal to facing high-level opposition in friendlies against Poland and World Cup-bound Portugal.
The Wrexham No. 1 opens up to Ratings about everything from his humble first steps in the Nigeria squad to his long-term dream of lifting the Africa Cup of Nations.
He was named in Eric Chelle’s squad for the 2026 Unity Cup in London before making his Nigeria debut at The Valley in Charlton. Okonkwo kept two clean sheets during Nigeria’s campaign against Zimbabwe and Jamaica as the Super Eagles won the tournament for the fourth time.
After the Unity Cup, Okonkwo joined Chelle’s squad for two high-level June friendlies: a 2-2 draw against Poland in Warsaw and a narrow 2-1 defeat to World Cup-bound Portugal in Leiria. Portugal, ranked fifth in the world and among the World Cup favorites, were separated from Nigeria only by Francisco Conceicao’s second-half winner.
For Okonkwo, absorbing every detail has been the mission.
“It’s my first time in the Nigeria team, and I’m just taking it all in,” he told R.org.
“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.”
With Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye established options, the Wrexham goalkeeper has chosen observation over impatience, displaying a rare kind of humility for a player who kept nine clean sheets in 35 Championship games.
By any statistical benchmark, Okonkwo earned his Super Eagles call-up on merit, but there is no trace of arrogance in how he carries himself.
“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, so they understand how we play. They understand the system. They understand 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.”
AFCON Glory Remains Okonkwo’s Nigeria Dream
With Nigeria watching the 2026 World Cup from the sidelines, the focus within the three-time African champions is shifting firmly toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Nigeria have not won AFCON since 2013, though they finished as runners-up in 2023 and claimed bronze in 2025.
For Okonkwo, helping to end that wait has become a driving ambition.
“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.”
Nigeria have failed to qualify for back-to-back World Cups in 2022 and 2026, and their best finish at the tournament has been reaching the round of 16.
Wrexham’s Premier League Push Continues
At club level, the 2025-26 season ended with a mixture of pride and frustration for Wrexham.
The Reds finished seventh in the EFL Championship table with 19 wins and narrowly missed out on the playoffs in a tight midtable battle.
For a club that made the astonishing leap from nonleague football to the second tier in just a few years under co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, the ambition of reaching the Premier League has never wavered.
Okonkwo is convinced the story is not over.
“I don’t think it was a sad ending,” the 24-year-old said. “I think, obviously, we were close.
“So, you know, 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, so I don’t see any change for next season.”
There is, however, a significant subplot, with Okonkwo now entering the final 12 months of his contract at Wrexham and the Championship club yet to open talks over an extension.
With his stock at its highest and senior international football now on his résumé, the summer promises to be an important one for all parties. When asked further about his future plans, Okonkwo said: “Just to play as many games as possible and help whoever, Nigeria, Wrexham or whoever I’m with, win as many games as possible.”
Okonkwo Reveals Saka Conversation
Football began in North London for Okonkwo, who developed through the ranks at Arsenal before signing his first professional contract at Emirates Stadium. Despite leaving Arsenal for regular first-team football in 2024, he still maintains a close bond with his former Hale End Academy teammate Bukayo Saka. The Nigerian goalkeeper revealed that he was in touch with the Arsenal vice captain after the UEFA Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in May.
“I think the one in the squad that I still talk to the most is Bukayo,” Okonkwo said. “You know, 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.”