Okonkwo Targets AFCON Success After Impressive Super Eagles Introduction

Posted : 30 June 2026

Arthur Okonkwo has set his sights on helping Nigeria win the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after making an impressive start to his international career with the Super Eagles.

The 24-year-old Wrexham goalkeeper enjoyed a memorable debut window in June, keeping clean sheets in his first two appearances as Nigeria won the Unity Cup in London.

Okonkwo featured in victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica as the Super Eagles secured a record fourth Unity Cup title before gaining further experience in friendly matches against Poland and Portugal.

Although Nigeria drew 2-2 with Poland and suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to World Cup-bound Portugal, the former Arsenal academy goalkeeper described the experience as an important step in his 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."

Rather than competing immediately for the number one shirt, Okonkwo said he has embraced the opportunity to learn from more experienced 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's focus now firmly on the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations following the disappointment of missing back-to-back FIFA World Cups, Okonkwo believes lifting the continental title would be the greatest achievement of his international career.

"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."

Away from the national team, Okonkwo remains determined to help Wrexham secure promotion to the Premier League after the club narrowly missed out on the Championship playoffs last season.

"I don't think it was a sad ending," he said. "Obviously, we were close.

"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."

With one year remaining on his contract, the goalkeeper's future has become the subject of speculation, although his immediate priority remains regular football and continued development.

Okonkwo also reflected on his Arsenal roots, revealing he remains close friends with Bukayo Saka, whom he recently encouraged after Arsenal's UEFA Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

"I think the one in the squad that 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."

After a confidence-boosting first international camp, Okonkwo now hopes to build on his strong introduction and play a key role as the Super Eagles pursue continental success and a return to the FIFA World Cup.

His performances during his debut camp have strengthened confidence in his ability to contribute to Nigeria's future, with the goalkeeper determined to continue improving at both club and international level as he pursues his ambitions.

Okonkwo Targets AFCON Success After Impressive Super Eagles Introduction

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