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Arthur Okonkwo Targets AFCON Glory After Dream Super Eagles Debut
Fresh from a memorable start to his international career, Nigeria goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has declared that winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Nigeria is now his greatest ambition.
The 24-year-old Wrexham shot-stopper made an immediate impact during the June international window, keeping two clean sheets as the Super Eagles lifted the Unity Cup in London.
Okonkwo impressed in victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica as Nigeria secured a record fourth Unity Cup title before gaining further experience in friendlies against Poland and World Cup-bound Portugal. Although the Super Eagles drew 2-2 with Poland and lost 2-1 to Portugal, the former Arsenal academy graduate described the experience as a valuable learning curve.
“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 kept nine clean sheets in 35 league appearances, Okonkwo says he is benefiting from the experience of senior 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 shifting focus to the 2027 AFCON after missing out on consecutive FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns, Okonkwo believes reclaiming the continental crown should be the team’s immediate priority.
The Super Eagles last won the tournament in 2013 and have since finished as runners-up in 2023 and third 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 determined to help Wrexham earn promotion to the Premier League after the Welsh side narrowly missed the Championship playoffs with a seventh-place finish 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 enters its final year, the goalkeeper says his priority is to continue developing and playing regular first-team football.
Okonkwo also revealed he remains close friends with Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, whom he recently encouraged after the Gunners’ 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.”
After an assured introduction to international football, Okonkwo is now eager to establish himself as a regular for the Super Eagles and help Nigeria challenge for continental honours while working towards a return to the FIFA World Cup.
