I Hope To Be Better Than Him — Okonkwo Reveals Ambition To Surpass Enyeama

Super Eagles goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has revealed his ambition to match and potentially surpass the achievements of Nigeria goalkeeping legend Vincent Enyeama as he returns to the national team for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper is part of Eric Chelle’s squad for Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for another qualifier next Tuesday.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Okonkwo could feature in either of the two matches after Maduka Okoye missed Nigeria’s first two training sessions before arriving in camp a day before the Madagascar encounter. Okonkwo could compete with Stanley Nwabali for the starting position or serve as the second-choice goalkeeper.

Speaking about the greatest goalkeeper to have represented Nigeria, Okonkwo selected Enyeama, who made 101 appearances for the Super Eagles and featured at three FIFA World Cup tournaments.

“Enyeama. I watched him at the World Cup growing up. He is like a legend and I aspire to be close to, or hopefully maybe one day better than, him,” Okonkwo said.

Okonkwo made his senior international debut in May during Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe at the Unity Cup. He subsequently kept another clean sheet as the Super Eagles defeated Jamaica 3-0 in the final of the competition.

Enyeama remains one of Nigeria’s most decorated goalkeepers, having represented the country at the 2002, 2010 and 2014 World Cups. He was also part of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations before ending his international career in 2015.

His 101 appearances for Nigeria place him among the country’s players who have reached the century mark at international level.

Okonkwo has also continued to make progress at club level. After joining Wrexham from Arsenal in 2024, he helped the Welsh club secure promotion from League Two to League One before moving to Charlton Athletic on loan.

The goalkeeper has established himself as a regular for Charlton and has recorded three clean sheets in his first six Championship appearances this season.

With his growing experience at both club and international level, Okonkwo will be hoping to strengthen his position in the Super Eagles squad as Nigeria continues its campaign for qualification for the 2027 AFCON.