Arthur Okonkwo: Nigerian Arsenal young goalkeeper wins first trophy as professional

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian born Arsenal owned goalkeeper, Arthur Nwankwo put up a wonderful performance on Sunday as he helped Stum Graz win the Austrian Cup.

Okonkwo had joined Stum Graz on loan from Arsenal in January 2023 and kept a clean sheet in the 2-0 win over Rapid Vienna.

It was Okonkwo’s 14th appearance for the club and historic as it was also first title since he turned professional player.

A second half brace from Manprit Sarkaria helped Stum Graz to end their trophy drought since 2018 when they saw off Red Bull Salzburg in the cup final.

Okonkwo was celebrated as one of the heroes of the title with his heroics in the shootouts against Salzburg in the quarterfinal before posting back to back clean sheets en route to the final.

Okonkwo was on the bench for some Premier League games last season to act as cover for the club’s first choice keeper, Aaron Ramsdale.