Super Eagles: Charlton confirm Arthur Okonkwo's return for AFCON Qualifiers
Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has received another opportunity to strengthen his claim for a regular place in the Super Eagles after the English Championship club confirmed his invitation for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.
Charlton announced on Monday that the 24-year-old goalkeeper has been called up by Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle for the September qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
“Arthur Okonkwo has been called up to the Nigeria squad for their upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau,” the club announced.
The invitation comes at an important stage in Okonkwo’s international career as Nigeria begins its campaign for a place at the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Okonkwo has made two senior appearances for the Super Eagles since switching his international allegiance from England to Nigeria, and both outings ended with clean sheets.
He made his Nigeria debut in May during the Unity Cup, starting in the Super Eagles’ 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe at Charlton’s The Valley.
He subsequently featured in the 3-0 final victory over Jamaica, again keeping a clean sheet.
The former Arsenal academy goalkeeper has since moved to Charlton on a season-long loan from fellow Championship side Wrexham, giving him another opportunity to establish himself as a regular at second-tier level in England.
Okonkwo has already made four appearances for Charlton this season and has quickly found himself back in the national-team picture.
His call-up also intensifies the competition for the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping position, with Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye among the other established options available to Chelle.
Nigeria will open their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L fixture.
The Madagascar encounter is scheduled for September 25 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with the trip to Guinea-Bissau coming four days later.
For Okonkwo, the fixtures represent more than another international invitation.
With only two senior caps to his name, the qualifiers could provide the goalkeeper with an opportunity to make his competitive debut for Nigeria and further convince Chelle that he can challenge for the No. 1 shirt.
His return to the Super Eagles setup also comes after an encouraging start to his new club chapter, following his move from Wrexham to Charlton in August.
Having already impressed during his first international appearances, Okonkwo will now look to turn the latest call-up into a more permanent role in Chelle’s plans as Nigeria begins its long road to the 2027 AFCON.
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