Charlton Athletic Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo Set Sights on Winning the Africa Cup of Nations and Helping Nigeria Qualify for the World Cup

Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo says he is delighted to be called up again for Nigeria's 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

He was named in Eric Chelle's squad on the back of his senior debut for Nigeria at the 2026 Unity Cup, keeping clean sheets in victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica.

Okonkwo described his senior debut for Nigeria as a special moment and says he is determined to establish himself as a dependable figure in the Super Eagles setup. The latest invitation gives him another opportunity to challenge for the goalkeeping spot and taste competitive action at international level.

Speaking with local media journalist Pooja, he was asked how he felt about being called up for the AFCON qualifier games.

“I'm super happy. It's been a moment I've been waiting for almost a year, trying to get everything sorted, so I'm just happy to be here and be with my teammates again. And yeah, it's a proud moment for me and my family.

Looking beyond the qualifiers, the 24-year-old said his main ambition is to help Nigeria win the AFCON and secure World Cup qualification. He will now be hoping to contribute as the Super Eagles kick off their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

“ I want to win the AFCON, and I want to compete in the World Cup”