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Nigeria goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo recalled for AFCON 2027 qualifiers
Arthur Okonkwo has been recalled to the Nigeria squad for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, giving coach Eric Chelle another option in goal.
Charlton Athletic confirmed on Monday that the former Arsenal academy goalkeeper had been selected for September’s matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Okonkwo, 24, has made only two senior appearances for Nigeria but kept clean sheets in both. He started the Super Eagles’ 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup semi-final at The Valley in London on 26 May, before helping them record a 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the final four days later.
The two matches provided an encouraging beginning to Okonkwo’s international career. He was relatively untroubled against Zimbabwe but made an important save after half-time when the Warriors began to threaten. Against Jamaica, he looked assured throughout and produced a low second-half stop to preserve Nigeria’s advantage.
The level of pressure will increase when Nigeria begin their competitive qualifying campaign later this month. These fixtures are not part of an invitational tournament, and Chelle will be seeking a goalkeeper capable of handling the demands of a new qualification cycle after Nigeria failed to reach the 2026 World Cup.
CAF has confirmed that Nigeria will host Madagascar in Uyo on 25 September before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L match on 29 September.
Okonkwo’s return follows a positive first experience with the national team and a developing club career. He came through the Arsenal system and had loan spells with Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz before becoming an important goalkeeper at Wrexham.
The 24-year-old joined Charlton Athletic on a season-long loan this summer and has made four appearances for the Addicks.
Chelle faces selection decision in goal
Chelle is unlikely to give Okonkwo the starting position without competition. Stanley Nwabali remains the leading rival after establishing himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during recent international campaigns.
Maduka Okoye, who plays for Udinese, is another strong contender and has also been selected by Chelle in previous squads.
The three goalkeepers bring different strengths to the contest. Okonkwo will point to his two clean-sheet performances for Nigeria, Nwabali has greater international experience, while Okoye provides another established alternative.
Chelle’s decision could therefore be among the most closely watched selection calls when Nigeria begin their Group L campaign.
Nigeria have been drawn alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and co-hosts Tanzania in a challenging group. Tanzania are already assured of a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations because they are one of the tournament’s hosts.
As a result, only the highest-ranked qualifying team from Group L apart from Tanzania will secure the additional qualification place.
