Arthur Okonkwo Discloses His Biggest Target, Eager To Gain Trust Of Nigerian Football Fans

Wrexham of Wales goalkeeper, Arthur Okonkwo has declared that the biggest target on his mind for now is how to gain confidence of Nigerian football fans and become a regular starter in the Super Eagles, Sports247 reports.

Speaking against the backdrop of two clean sheets in his first call up to the Nigerian camp, Okonkwo, who was born in London and previously trained as a youth player at Arsenal, admitted he still has a long way to go.

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While acknowledging that featuring as first choice against Zimbabwe and Jamaica at the 2026 Unity Cup was a huge breakthrough for him, Okonkwo conceded that he still has to put in more efforts as the days go by to stamp his authority in the team.

He cast a look back at the long route he had to pass through in order to get into the Nigerian national team and reiterated his desire to make the best of it for the long-term, considering that he regards it as a huge honour being part of the squad.

Okonkwo, who began his career at Hampstead Academy before moving to Lindus Park and joined Arsenal’s youth sector as an eight-year-old in 2009, said: “It’s an honour to be given the opportunity to play for your country. I’m so excited.

“I’ve been wanting this moment for quite a while now, and to finally have the opportunity is incredible. I think the most important relationship I want to build is trust. Obviously, that takes time, but I want to become a consistent performer.

“I want to be someone they can trust in goal for every game. But, that’s a process. To get there, I first have to integrate with the team, learn the way we play, connect with my defenders, the attackers, and connect with everyone really on the pitch.

“I know it’s a process, but I want to work towards that and build that trust with the fans as well. I think fans in football everywhere have their feelings towards every game, so I understand that. The same feelings they’ll be feeling.

“I’ll probably be feeling them too. So definitely, that’s another thing that will help with the trust – being connected to the fans and feeling how they feel. I’m sure it will make me play for the badge even more and fight for the country.”

Sports247 gathered that the 24-year-old shot-stopper, whose full name is Arthur Chukwuezugo Okonkwo, represented England at under-16 and under-17 levels, then debuted for the under-18s two days before his birthday on September 9th.

It was only on April 6th this year that world football governing body, FIFA gave official clearance for Okonkwo to switch allegiance from England to Nigeria and his debut was at the 2026 Unity Cup, which he helped the Eagles win on Saturday.

Incidentally, Okonkwo, who has previously played on loan at Crewe Alexandra of England and Sturm Graz, has a younger brother, Brian, who is also a goalkeeper in West Bromwich Albion’s academy (after leaving Arsenal last year).

The post Arthur Okonkwo Discloses His Biggest Target, Eager To Gain Trust Of Nigerian Football Fans first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Arthur Okonkwo Discloses His Biggest Target, Eager To Gain Trust Of Nigerian Football Fans appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.