FIFA has given formal approval for goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to change his international allegiance from England to Nigeria, opening the door for the former Arsenal man to represent the Super Eagles at senior level.

Okonkwo, 24, previously featured for England across several youth categories, turning out for the U15, U16, U17 and U18 sides between 2015 and 2018. However, with his international involvement stalling after that period, the shot-stopper has now opted to pursue his senior international future with Nigeria, a move made possible through his Nigerian parentage despite being born in England.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is yet to announce when Okonkwo could receive his first call-up. While the timing is complicated by the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations and Nigeria’s failure to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the goalkeeper is now fully eligible and available for selection whenever the opportunity arises.

Interest from the NFF is understood to have grown following Okonkwo’s impressive development over recent seasons, particularly during his time with Wrexham. He initially joined the Welsh club on loan from Arsenal in the summer of 2023 before completing a permanent transfer in 2024.

Since arriving at Wrexham, Okonkwo has played a key role in one of English football’s most remarkable rises. Joining when the club were in League Two, he has been part of a rapid ascent that has now taken them into the Championship. His importance has only increased, starting each of Wrexham’s last 21 consecutive league matches in the English second tier.

With Wrexham currently competing around the Championship play-off positions, a potential push toward the Premier League remains a realistic ambition. Such progress would further enhance Okonkwo’s profile and could accelerate his prospects of earning a place in Nigeria’s national team setup in the near future.