Okonkwo Aims to Surpass Enyeama's Legacy

Super Eagles goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo wants to reach and even go beyond the level of former Nigeria No.1 Vincent Enyeama, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 24-year-old is back in Éric Chelle’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. He earned this spot after a strong start in senior international football.

Nigeria will play Madagascar in Uyo today, then travel to face Guinea-Bissau next Tuesday.

Maduka Okoye missed the first two training sessions but arrived in camp a day before the match with Madagascar. This means Okonkwo might get to play again for Nigeria, either ahead of Stanley Nwabali or as the second-choice goalkeeper.

When asked who the greatest goalkeeper for the Super Eagles is, Okonkwo named Enyeama.
“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,” said the Wrexham goalkeeper, who is currently on loan at Charlton Athletic, in an interview with Football Temple.

Okonkwo previously mentioned Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar as his all-time greatest goalkeeper.

He made his Nigeria debut during the 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe at the Unity Cup in May. He also kept a clean sheet in the 3-0 win against Jamaica in the final.

His idol, Enyeama, played 101 times for Nigeria and is one of only four players to reach that milestone for the Super Eagles. The others are Ahmed Musa, Joseph Yobo, and Alex Iwobi. Paris FC winger Moses Simon will make his 100th appearance for Nigeria in the match against Madagascar.

Enyeama left the national team in 2015 and played at three World Cups, in 2002, 2010, and 2014. He became known for making amazing saves at the international level. He also helped Nigeria win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013.

Okonkwo has been steadily rising over the last three years. He joined Wrexham from Arsenal in 2024 and helped the Welsh team get promoted from League Two to League One.

Since moving to Charlton Athletic on loan from Wrexham, Okonkwo has been playing consistently in the Championship. By mid-September, he had recorded three clean sheets in his first six league games.