Football's governing body, Fifa officially confirmed on Monday, April 6 that Arsenal's Hale End academy graduate Arthur Okonkwo has switched his sporting nationality from England to Nigeria. 

The Wrexham goalkeeper made the decision to represent the Super Eagles after appearing for England's Young Lions at U15, U16, U17 and U18 levels.

It is believed that the Nigeria Football Federation opted to be cautious and sought Fifa approval for Okonkwo's one-time switch, even though it was technically unnecessary as all his appearances for the Young Lions were in friendly matches.

Werder Bremen defender Felix Agu made his debut for the Super Eagles in last year's Unity Cup without requiring Fifa clearance, having never featured in competitive matches for Germany U21s.

Okonkwo had long been on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation, with former president Amaju Pinnick recommending the goalkeeper to then-coach Gernot Rohr, who argued that he was not yet competing at a high level.

However, Okonkwo's profile has risen in recent years, with appearances across League Two, League One, the Championship, and the Austrian Bundesliga. 

This season, the 24-year-old has kept ten clean sheets in 37 league appearances for promotion-chasing Wrexham.

Born in London, Okonkwo is eligible to represent the Super Eagles through his Nigerian father, who hails from Anambra State.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel