AFCON qualifiers: Charlton confirm Okonkwo’s Eagles invitation

English Championship side, Charlton Athletic, have confirmed that goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has been invited to the Super Eagles squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Championship club revealed the 24-year-old’s invitation in a post on Monday.

Okonkwo will link up with the squad ahead of Nigeria’s opening Group L fixtures later this month, giving the recently invited goalkeeper another opportunity to stake his claim for a regular place in the national team.

“Arthur Okonkwo has been called up to the Nigeria squad for their upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau,” Charlton stated in a post on X.

Okonkwo switched his international allegiance from England to Nigeria earlier this year after representing the Three Lions at youth level, and made his Super Eagles debut during the 2026 Unity Cup in London.

The goalkeeper kept clean sheets in Nigeria’s victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica as the Super Eagles retained the Unity Cup, earning his first two senior international caps in the process.

His latest invitation comes after he joined Charlton on a season-long loan from fellow Championship club Wrexham in August, having turned down interest from Bolton Wanderers.

Okonkwo said the opportunity to work under Charlton manager Nathan Jones was a major factor in his decision to join the Addicks, with the goalkeeper keen to continue developing his game.

Jones had also praised the Nigerian after watching him impress for Wrexham last season, recalling two outstanding saves Okonkwo made against Charlton during their meetings.

Born in Camden, England, Okonkwo came through Arsenal’s academy before loan spells with Crewe Alexandra and Austrian side Sturm Graz, where he won the Austrian Cup.

He subsequently joined Wrexham, initially on loan before making the move permanent in June 2024, and played a key role in the club’s back-to-back promotions.

Okonkwo helped Wrexham finish second in the 2024/25 campaign before joining Charlton, where he is now competing for regular Championship action.

Nigeria will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on September 23, before facing Guinea-Bissau four days later.

The Super Eagles are in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and co-hosts Tanzania, with the 2027 AFCON set to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.