Okonkwo sets sights on AFCON glory after dream Super Eagles debut
Fresh from a memorable first international assignment with Nigeria, Arthur Okonkwo has declared that winning the Africa Cup of Nations is now his biggest ambition, as the Wrexham goalkeeper continues to establish himself for both club and country.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper enjoyed a dream introduction to life with the Super Eagles in June, making his senior debut under Eric Chelle and emerging with two clean sheets as Nigeria lifted the Unity Cup in London.
After helping Nigeria defeat Zimbabwe and Jamaica to claim a record fourth Unity Cup title, Okonkwo’s education at international level continued with high-profile friendly matches against Poland and World Cup-bound Portugal.
Although Nigeria played out a 2-2 draw against Poland before narrowly losing 2-1 to fifth-ranked Portugal, the Wrexham shot-stopper believes the experience was invaluable as he begins what he hopes will be a long international career.
“It’s my first time in the Nigeria team, and I’m just taking it all in,” Okonkwo said.
“It was really good to watch how we operate against difficult opponents this month. I’m just enjoying the experience day by day. I’m just so thankful for the opportunity.”
Despite arriving on the back of an impressive domestic campaign in which he registered nine clean sheets in 35 Championship appearances, Okonkwo insists he has approached his Super Eagles journey with humility rather than expectation.
Instead of demanding the No. 1 jersey, the former Arsenal academy goalkeeper says he has focused on learning from established internationals Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye.
“Uzoho and Maduka are two very good goalkeepers,” he explained.
“You learn things during training, and I was able to watch them because they’ve been here longer than me, so they understand how we play. They understand the system. They understand everything much better than I do.
“It’s just about taking everything in, understanding the way we play and bringing it into my own game.”
Following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for consecutive FIFA World Cups in 2022 and 2026, attention has shifted toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, where the three-time African champions will seek to end a 14-year wait for continental glory.
The Super Eagles last lifted the trophy in 2013, before finishing runners-up in 2023 and claiming bronze in 2025.
For Okonkwo, helping Nigeria reclaim the African crown has become the biggest objective of his international career.
“My biggest dream would be helping this country win AFCON,” he said.
“It’s been too long. And, of course, to qualify for the World Cup and go as far as possible. I think we have the best country, and we can dream of winning the World Cup.”
While his international stock continues to rise, Okonkwo remains fully committed to helping Wrexham A.F.C. achieve their long-standing ambition of reaching the Premier League.
The Championship side narrowly missed the promotion playoffs after finishing seventh in the table, but the goalkeeper believes the club’s remarkable rise under co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney is far from over.
“I don’t think it was a sad ending,” he said. “I think, obviously, we were close.
“So, you know, it hurts a little, but we did really well this season. The next thing is to push for promotion next season. That’s been the idea since I’ve been there, so I don’t see any change for next season.”
With just one year remaining on his current contract and no extension discussions yet underway, Okonkwo’s future is expected to attract considerable interest this summer.
However, the goalkeeper remains focused on one simple objective.
“Just to play as Okonkwo’s football journey began in Arsenal’s renowned Hale End Academy, where he developed alongside current Gunners star Bukayo Saka before leaving in search of regular first-team football.
The Nigerian international revealed that he remains close friends with Saka and recently spoke with the Arsenal vice-captain following the club’s UEFA Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
“I think the one in the squad that I still talk to the most is Bukayo,” Okonkwo revealed.
“You know, he was a bit sad, but they had such an unbelievable season. They took PSG all the way, and they’re really proud of themselves, as they should be.
“The club has done so well, and that’s the conversation I had with him. He’s still positive, and I think they’ll go again next season.”
For Okonkwo, the month of June may well prove to be a defining chapter. From making an assured Super Eagles debut to dreaming of ending Nigeria’s long wait for another AFCON title, the goalkeeper has shown both composure on the pitch and maturity off it.
As Nigeria begins preparations for the next continental challenge, the Wrexham goalkeeper appears determined to grow into a key figure for the Super Eagles, one clean sheet, one lesson and one dream at a time.