Super Eagles goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has expressed his excitement ahead of Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, describing his latest involvement with the national team as a dream come true.
The 24-year-old is back in Eric Chelle’s squad after making an impressive start to his senior international career and says he is eager to experience competitive football with the Super Eagles.
“It’s a dream come true, and it being my first time in Nigeria, I’m happy to be here. I didn’t want to miss this for anything,” Okonkwo told NFF TV.
“I am excited for the first game against Madagascar and obviously against Guinea-Bissau. I know they’re tough games, and the manager has made that clear, but I am excited to see it.”
Okonkwo has also welcomed the competition for the goalkeeping position, insisting he is more interested in learning from established Super Eagles keepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye than becoming distracted by the battle for the number-one shirt.
“The boys have been very welcoming. They’ve been in the Nigerian set-up much longer than me, and I look forward to learning from them,” he said.
“They’re fantastic goalkeepers I can learn from, and I’m just taking it day by day.”
The Charlton Athletic goalkeeper already has two senior appearances for Nigeria and has kept clean sheets in both. He made his debut in the Super Eagles’ 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe at the Unity Cup in May before helping Nigeria beat Jamaica 3-0 in the final.
His club form has further strengthened his credentials. Since joining Charlton on loan from Wrexham, Okonkwo has established himself as a regular in the Championship and recorded three clean sheets in his first six league appearances by mid-September.
However, competition for the position remains intense, with Nwabali and Okoye also part of Chelle’s squad.
Nigeria will open their Group L campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before facing Guinea-Bissau four days later.
With Tanzania completing the group, Okonkwo and his teammates will be looking to make a strong start as Nigeria begins its quest to qualify for the 2027 AFCON.
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