Okonkwo says Nigeria’s win over Tanzania has lifted Super Eagles camp mood

Arthur Okonkwo says Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Tanzania in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign has brought a welcome improvement to the mood within the Super Eagles camp.

The goalkeeper was speaking after the match to Channels Television, having made his senior international debut for Nigeria. He said the result was particularly important after the team’s previous defeat.

“It was good. We won. An important win. We lost the last game. So we needed that win. And yeah, the camp and the mood is much better today. I thought it was an improvement from the last game,” he said.

Okonkwo, who plays for Charlton Athletic, believes Nigeria have not yet reached their full potential and will need to use their recent experiences to improve during the rest of the qualification campaign.

He was nevertheless clear that taking all three points against Tanzania was the priority.

“We know we have more and we can give more and we can be better. But you know in the end it’s three points and that’s the most important thing I’d say we should learn from the experience,” he added.

The 24-year-old also spoke about adapting to life with the national team after being given the opportunity to represent Nigeria at senior level.

Okonkwo said he was still becoming familiar with the Super Eagles environment, while benefiting from working alongside his international team-mates.

“I’m still new to the camp, so I’m learning with them. But I enjoy the moment because, you know, this is a new experience for a lot of us,” he explained.

Asked about his longer-term plans, the Wrexham goalkeeper said he would concentrate on maintaining his work rate and being prepared when further opportunities arise.

“For me, I guess we’ll have to wait and see. But, what I’d like is to keep doing what I’m doing now, keep training hard, keep working hard, and wait for my opportunity,” he concluded.

Nigeria will travel to Zanzibar for the return fixture against Tanzania on Tuesday, November 17.

Chelle’s side are aiming to claim another victory and strengthen their position in the race to qualify for the 2027 Afcon.