…Arthur Okonkwo to slug it out for starting shirt
Charlton Athletic have confirmed a call-up for Super Eagles goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau later this month.
Although the squad list is yet to be officially released, the Championship side on Monday confirmed on social media that their first-choice goalkeeper has been called up to the Nigerian national team.
“Arthur Okonkwo has been called up to the Nigeria squad for their upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Good luck, Arth.”
The former Arsenal academy goalkeeper recently switched allegiance to Nigeria after representing England at youth level from U-15 to U-18. He has since made two appearances for the Super Eagles in friendly matches against Jamaica and Zimbabwe.
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Okonkwo was also an unused substitute in Nigeria’s friendly matches against Poland and Portugal in June.
The goalkeeper is expected to battle for the starting spot with Udinese first-choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, should he also receive an invitation. At the same time, Stanley Nwabali could return to the squad after taking some time away from football.
The Super Eagles will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
Nigeria are in Group L of the qualifying series along with Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, and Tanzania.
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