Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has praised Arthur Okonkwo after his impressive debut against West Ham United in the Championship. The Nigerian goalkeeper started just two days after joining Charlton on a season-long loan from Wrexham. He helped the Addicks secure a 2-1 win at the London Stadium.
Okonkwo made his Charlton debut in excellent fashion. He produced several important saves during the victory. The 24-year-old denied Taty Castellanos in second half stoppage time. He also made a one-handed save from Joël Piroe after the interval. Later, he tipped a Divine Mukasa effort over the crossbar.
Jones singled out the goalkeeper after the final whistle. The Charlton boss praised both his performance and attitude since arriving at the club.
”Arthur Okonkwo was outstanding. It’s wonderful to work with him. He has shown real desire to join the football club.”
The comments underline the immediate impact of Okonkwo’s arrival. He had very little time to settle at Charlton. Yet, Jones trusted him to start against West Ham.
Charlton took the lead through Lloyd Jones in the seventh minute. Tyreece Campbell then doubled the advantage in the 56th minute.
West Ham pulled one goal back through Piroe. The hosts also received a late chance to equalise. Castellanos stepped up for a stoppage-time penalty. However, his effort struck the post.
Okonkwo therefore finished his first Charlton appearance with a victory. His performance also gave Jones an early reason for confidence in his new goalkeeper.
The Nigerian international joined Charlton after losing his starting position at Wrexham. His Wrexham contract now enters its final year.
Charlton will hope Okonkwo can maintain that level. His next challenge could come in the EFL Cup against Tottenham Hotspur on August 26.
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