Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report that Arsenal Hale End Academy graduate Arthur Okonkwo was eager to represent the Super Eagles at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, but his hopes were dashed after he was omitted from the 28-man squad named by coach Eric Chelle.

The Malian tactician has opted to take three goalkeepers to Morocco, selecting Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie ahead of the Wrexham shot-stopper.

It is understood that Okonkwo's minders had been in contact with officials of the Nigeria Football Federation prior to the release of the Afcon list, although those discussions failed to yield a call-up. 

Sources familiar with the situation have pointed to shortcomings on the part of the goalkeepers agent in securing an invitation, particularly as his former Arsenal teammate, Blackburn Rovers fullback Ryan Alebiosu, received his maiden Super Eagles call-up.

Born in London, Okonkwo is eligible to represent Nigeria through his father, Uba Okonkwo, who hails from Anambra State. 

His potential switch of allegiance from England to Nigeria has long been a subject of interest within Nigerian football circles.

Former Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick, a vocal proponent of recruiting dual-national players, previously identified Okonkwo as a long-term solution to Nigeria’s goalkeeping needs. 

Pinnick recommended the goalkeeper to then Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr several years ago.

Rohr later confirmed that Okonkwo was on his radar at the time, but felt the goalkeeper was still too young to be integrated into the senior national team setup.

Now 24, Okonkwo is enjoying an outstanding campaign with Wrexham, recording four consecutive clean sheets in November, a run of form that earned him a nomination for the Championship Player of the Month award.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel