Super Eagles goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has said he’s ready to take his chance if given a starting role against Madagascar on Friday, as competition for Nigeria’s number one shirt intensifies ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
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The Charlton Athletic goalkeeper is back in Éric Chelle’s squad after an impressive introduction to senior international football and says his experience around the national team has been helped by the reception from his teammates.
“The boys have been very welcoming,” Okonkwo said, expressing his readiness for the Group L opener in Uyo.
For the 24-year-old, the immediate objective is straightforward: be prepared if Chelle calls his name and contribute towards the result Nigeria need.
Okonkwo already has an impressive international record. He made his Super Eagles debut in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe at the Unity Cup in May before keeping another clean sheet as Nigeria defeated Jamaica 3-0 in the final. He therefore enters the Madagascar encounter with two clean sheets from his first two senior appearances.
His club form has also strengthened his case. Since joining Charlton Athletic on loan from Wrexham, Okonkwo has been playing regularly in the Championship and had recorded three clean sheets in his opening six league appearances by mid-September.
But competition is significant.
Stanley Nwabali is already in camp, while Maduka Okoye was the final member of the 24-man squad still expected after 23 players participated in Nigeria’s opening training session.
Okonkwo, however, is concentrating less on the individual battle and more in Nigeria beginning the qualifiers successfully.
The Super Eagles host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
Whether he starts or watches from the bench, Okonkwo’s message is clear, if the opportunity comes, he intends to be ready, and another clean sheet would make it three from three in Nigeria colours.
