Arthur Okonkwo Gets Super Eagles Invitation For AFCON Qualifier

Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has received a fresh call-up to the Nigeria national team ahead of the Super Eagles’ opening matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The 24-year-old’s Championship club confirmed his selection on Monday, September 7, with Okonkwo expected to join head coach Eric Chelle’s squad for the upcoming September fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Okonkwo will be hoping to make his competitive debut for Nigeria after making his first two senior appearances for the national team during the Unity Cup in May.

The goalkeeper kept clean sheets in both matches, starting Nigeria’s 2-0 semi-final victory over Zimbabwe before featuring in the Super Eagles’ 3-0 triumph over Jamaica in the final at The Valley.

His performances have now earned him another opportunity to impress at international level. However, Okonkwo faces stiff competition for the starting goalkeeper position, with Stanley Nwabali remaining one of the leading contenders and Udinese shot-stopper Maduka Okoye providing another experienced option.

Since joining Charlton on a season-long loan from Wrexham during the summer, Okonkwo has made four appearances for the club.

The goalkeeper came through Arsenal’s academy before gaining senior experience with Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz and later establishing himself at Wrexham.

Nigeria are scheduled to begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The Super Eagles will then travel to face Guinea-Bissau four days later as they continue their Group L campaign.

Nigeria’s group also contains Tanzania, who have already qualified automatically for the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament’s co-hosts.

As a result, the highest-ranked qualifying team from the group apart from Tanzania will secure the additional qualification spot.