Former Flying Eagles goalkeeper Ige rooting for dual-national Wrexham star to represent Nigeria 

Kola Ige, a member of the Flying Eagles squad to the 2005 Fifa World Youth Championship in the Netherlands, is rooting for Wrexham's dual-national goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to represent Nigeria's senior national team.

The international future of the Hale Academy product has been a subject of debate in these parts following his outstanding performances in goal for Wrexham during the 2023-2024 season.

Okonkwo was officially named the best goalkeeper in the fourth tier of English football, having made the EFL League Two Team of the Season, thanks to the fourteen clean sheets he kept in  36 matches.

Nigeria Football Federation's chief scout, Augustine Eguavoen is keeping tabs on Okonkwo with a view to a possible call-up to the Super Eagles in future. 

Okonkwo has caps for England at U15, U16, U17 and U18 level and has to decide whether to change his allegiance from his country of birth to Nigeria, where his parents originally hail from. 

Due to strong competition from goalkeepers like Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Dean Henderson and Nick Pope, the likelihood of Okonkwo representing England is slim.

In response to a question about Okonkwo's readiness for the Super Eagles, former Bayelsa United goalkeeper Ige told allnigeriasoccer.com.: "To be honest with you, I have not seen Okonkwo play but at Arsenal they have a lot of developmental programs for players.  For a Nigerian to play for Arsenal's youth team, I want to believe he is good.

"If Okonkwo decides to represent Nigeria, it would be a positive step as it provides us with more choices. 

"Having options benefits the team and coaching staff as it fosters competition. 

"This ensures that there are alternatives available in case a player is unavailable or the team is lacking in a particular position."

By joining Wrexham on a permanent basis in the off-season, Okonkwo ended his fourteen-year stint with Arsenal.

Adeyemi Adewale

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