Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has been included in Nigeria’s squad for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Sky Bet Championship club confirmed the 24-year-old’s international selection after he joined Charlton on loan from Wrexham this summer.
Okonkwo is now in contention to make his competitive debut for Nigeria when they begin their qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday, 25 September. The match will be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria will then travel to face Guinea-Bissau four days later, with the away fixture set to be played against the Djurtus.
The call-up gives Okonkwo the opportunity to strengthen his position within Eric Chelle’s squad. He is expected to compete with Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye for the goalkeeper’s place in the starting line-up across the two matches.
The Arsenal academy graduate has already earned two international caps for the three-time African champions. His Nigeria debut came during the team’s Unity Cup success at The Valley in May.
Okonkwo has made four appearances for Charlton so far this season since arriving from Wrexham on loan. His performances at club level have now been followed by a return to the Super Eagles squad as Nigeria prepare for the next stage of their continental qualifying campaign.
The goalkeeper will be hoping to add to his international appearances and make his first competitive outing for Nigeria in either of the two fixtures. His previous caps came during the side’s Unity Cup campaign, but he has yet to feature in a competitive match for the national team.
Nigeria’s first assignment will be against Madagascar in Uyo, before the squad heads to Guinea-Bissau for the second match in the international window. The two fixtures will provide Chelle with an opportunity to assess his goalkeeping options as the Super Eagles pursue qualification.
Okonkwo’s selection was confirmed by Charlton Athletic, who announced that their summer loan signing had been called up by Nigeria. He joined the club from Wrexham and has featured four times for Charlton during the current season.
The Super Eagles will be seeking a positive start at home before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau, known as the Djurtus. Okonkwo’s inclusion means he will be part of the squad for both matches and could challenge Nwabali and Okoye for selection.
The goalkeeper’s first Nigeria appearance came at his club stadium, The Valley, during the Unity Cup in May. He now has the chance to make his competitive debut as Nigeria begin their qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.