”I WILL GRAB MY CHANCE” - Super Eagles Goalkeeper OKONKWO

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Arthur Okonkwo, has declared that he is ready to grab his opportunity if given the chance to start against Madagascar on Friday.

The 25-year-old Charlton Athletic loanee spoke from the team's camp in Uyo as preparations continue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nigeria is looking forward to facing Madagascar on the 25th of September and four days later, they will be taking on Guinea-Bissau.

Reacting to the fixtures and his personal battle for the No.1 shirt, the former Arsenal academy graduate said;

"Just waiting for an opportunity and I'll come out to take it.”

“The manager and everyone, all the players have made me feel welcomed."

Tall, commanding and an excellent shot-stopper, Charlton manager, Nathan Jones had earlier described Okonkwo as "excellent pedigree" after his signing, noting "he made two world class saves against us last season."

The Charlton loanee also praised the team spirit in camp:

"The manager and everyone, all the players have made me feel welcomed."

"We are looking forward to winning as a team," Okonkwo says.

Who is Arthur Okonkwo?

Born in Camden to Nigerian parents, Okonkwo began his journey at Hampstead Academy and Lindus Park before joining Arsenal Academy in 2009 at just 8 years old.

He spent 12 years with the Gunners, signing his first professional contract in 2021.

His senior career has seen steady growth:

- Arsenal (2021-2024): Highly rated but 0 senior apps

- Crewe Alexandra (loan 2022-23): 23 appearances

- Sturm Graz (loan 2023): 15 appearances, Austrian Cup winner

- Wrexham (2023-2024 loan, permanent from June 2024): 72 appearances, key figure in back-to-back promotions

- Charlton Athletic (2026/27 loan): 7 appearances so far, joined 20th August as club's 8th summer signing

Internationally, he represented England at:

1. U16,
2. U17
3. U18 levels
4. before switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2026.

He made his Super Eagles debut during the Unity Cup triumph at The Valley, earlier this summer.

The 6ft 6in shot-stopper kept two clean sheets on his Unity Cup.

He added that his main focus is to help the team start the qualifiers on a good note with a win and a clean sheet if possible.