World football governing body, FIFA, has accepted Wrexham’s Arthur Okonkwo’s application to switch allegiance from England to Nigeria.

The 24-year-old, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, represented England at every youth level from under-15 to under-18.

The confirmation of his change of allegiance on FIFA’s change of association platform, Okonkwo is now eligible to be selected by Nigeria, joining a goalkeeper group that includes Stanley Nwabali, Udinese’s Maduka Okoye, and Omonia’s Francis Uzoho.

Okonkwo came through Arsenal’s youth academy and had loan spells at Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz before joining Wrexham, initially on loan in the summer of 2023, before the deal was made permanent the following summer.

He has established himself as the Welsh side’s starting goalkeeper, making 119 appearances and being part of two promotions.

Okonkwo has made 42 appearances in all competitions and has kept ten clean sheets in 37 Championship games this campaign, the joint seventh-highest in the division.

Should he receive a call-up to the Nigerian men’s national team, he could link up with former Arsenal academy graduates Alex Iwobi and Semi Ajayi.
Wrexham, sixth in the Championship and chasing their fourth consecutive promotion, were in action yesterday against seventh-placed Southampton.