Allnigeriasoccer.com can report with certainty that Wrexham’s dual-national goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo does not require Fifa clearance to represent the Super Eagles.

It has been widely reported in sections of the local media that the former Arsenal shot-stopper had been cleared by football’s governing body Fifa to switch allegiance to Nigeria.

However, this website understands that Okonkwo is eligible to feature for the three-time African champions immediately, without the need to apply for a change of association.

The London-born goalkeeper represented England at U15, U16, U17 and U18 levels, but none of those appearances for the Young Lions came in competitive fixtures.

As a result, he is not provisionally cap-tied to the 1966 World Cup winners.

Article 9 of the Regulations Governing the Application of the Fifa Statutes does not need to be invoked as Okonkwo did not participate in official competitions for England’s youth teams.

Had he featured in European Championship qualifiers or at Fifa U17 or U20 World Cups, he would have been required to file a one-time change of association.

A similar precedent can be found in the case of Felix Agu, who made his Super Eagles debut last May without formal Fifa clearance, having represented Germany only in friendly matches at youth level.

Okonkwo’s situation mirrors that of the Werder Bremen full-back.

The Wrexham goalkeeper is understood to be in contention for a maiden call-up to the Super Eagles ahead of their March internationals, having previously been omitted from the Unity Cup and Afcon squads.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel