Okonkwo gets call-up for Super Eagles AFCON qualifiers

Charlton Athletic, a club in the English Championship, has announced that goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is invited to join the Super Eagles squad. This is for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.

The club shared the news about the 24-year-old goalkeeper's invitation in a post on Monday.

Okonkwo will meet up with the team before Nigeria's first Group L matches later this month. This gives him another chance to prove himself for a regular spot in the national team.

"Arthur Okonkwo has been called up to the Nigeria squad for their upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau," Charlton wrote in a post on X.

Earlier this year, Okonkwo changed his international allegiance from England to Nigeria. He had previously played for the Three Lions at the youth level and made his Super Eagles debut during the 2026 Unity Cup in London.

He kept clean sheets in Nigeria’s wins over Zimbabwe and Jamaica. The Super Eagles won the Unity Cup, and Okonkwo earned his first two senior international caps.

His recent call-up comes after he joined Charlton on loan from Wrexham in August. He turned down offers from Bolton Wanderers to make this move.

Okonkwo mentioned that working under Charlton manager Nathan Jones was a big reason for his decision to join the team. He wants to keep improving his skills.

Jones praised Okonkwo after seeing him perform well at Wrexham last season. He remembered two fantastic saves Okonkwo made against Charlton in their matches.

Okonkwo was born in Camden, England. He came through Arsenal’s academy and had loan spells with Crewe Alexandra and Austrian club Sturm Graz, where he won the Austrian Cup.

After that, he joined Wrexham, starting on loan before making a permanent move in June 2024. He played a key role in helping Wrexham achieve back-to-back promotions.

In the 2024/25 season, Okonkwo helped Wrexham finish second before moving to Charlton. He is now aiming for regular playing time in the Championship.

Nigeria will kick off their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 23. They will take on Guinea-Bissau four days later.

The Super Eagles are in Group L with Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, and co-hosts Tanzania. The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.