I want to win trophies for Eagles – Okonkwo News

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I want to win trophies for Eagles – Okonkwo

By Daily Sports Nigeria on May 29, 2026

Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who recently made his Nigerian debut at the Unity Cup, sat with the Super Eagles Channel and spoke about his decision to represent Nigeria and the legacy he hopes to leave after his career. Excerpts by ABIODUN ADEWALE

How did you feel when it truly hit you that you were now part of the Super Eagles after watching from afar?

I think it all started last summer. I spoke to the manager and the goalkeeper coach and they showed their interest in me. The conversations were very positive and ever since that point, we’ve been trying to get my switch done from England to Nigeria.

So when the moment finally arose and the goalkeeper coach was the first to message me to let me know that I’ve been selected for the camp, you’re just filled with so much excitement. I can never forget the first two people I called — my dad first and then my mum. Everyone was so happy and proud. It’s an honour to be given the opportunity to play for your country. I’m so excited. I’ve been wanting this moment for quite a while now, and to finally have the opportunity is incredible.

Nigerian fans connect deeply with players who wear the badge with pride. What kind of relationship do you hope to build with them?

I think the most important relationship I want to build with them is trust. Obviously, that takes time, but I want to become a consistent performer for the country. I want to be someone they can trust in goal for every game. But as I said, that’s a process. To get there. I first have to integrate with the team, learn the way we play, connect with my defenders, the attackers, and connect with everyone really on the pitch. So, I know it’s a process, but I want to work towards that and build that trust with the fans as well.

Are you ready to deal with the emotions of Nigerians, especially when they come at you after bad games?

Yes, of course. I think fans in football everywhere have their feelings towards every game, so I understand that. The same feelings they’ll be feeling, I’ll probably be feeling them too. So definitely, that’s another thing that will help with the trust — being connected to the fans and feeling how they feel. I’m sure it will make me play for the badge even more and fight for the country.

Goalkeepers are often the calmest people on the pitch, but what genuinely makes you nervous before a game?

I wouldn’t say anything makes me nervous before a game. I think my nerves come more from excitement and anticipation. Waiting for a game can make me nervous, or the moments before I get on the pitch. If it’s a bigger game, I might have a little bit more nerves because I’ve been anticipating the big game. But I don’t get really nervous for games. People say all the time that I look like nothing affects me. Yeah, but I do get nervous. If you didn’t get nervous, then something’s wrong with you. I think it’s good to have nerves.

If a young Nigerian goalkeeper watches you for the very first time, what do you hope stands out about your game?

I think the one thing I love to do is make saves, and I hope I can make many for Nigeria and become a legend. Maybe. We hope so. That’s what we work towards and I hope they can enjoy my saves more than anything. So yeah, that’s what I hope for.

Which current Super Eagles player do you think you would enjoy sitting next to on a long trip, and why?

Personally, Ryan Alebiosu because I’ve known him for a long time. But if I were going to choose someone in the team currently, it would be Chukwueze because he seems mad and funny. I don’t know him personally, but I just know he’d be good vibes and funny. I do like it when you have someone who doesn’t stop talking.

Are you still learning all those songs they sing going to the stadium?

Yes, I’ve seen them.

Every Nigerian player has that one unforgettable Super Eagles memory growing up. What was yours?

It would be Nigeria winning AFCON in 2013. I watched that with my dad and I just remember him being so happy. At that age, I was 12 years old, it didn’t really mean much to you because you’re just supporting the team your dad supports. But that’s the biggest memory I can remember.

You have players in that team that you still remember?

Yes, definitely a few. Obviously, John Obi Mikel, Enyeama, Musa, Moses. I’d have to think for the rest.

Five years from now, what would make you look back and say, “Yes, I truly left my mark with Nigeria and made the right decision choosing the Super Eagles?”

I think looking five years from now, the reason why I made the decision is that I want to win trophies for my country. I know how much Nigerians love football and how important it is to them. Being able to do that for my country, from where I’m from, would be incredible. I think five years from now I’ll look back and say I made the right decision to do this. So that’s what I’m looking forward to.

We’ve got lots of competitions coming up. Are you looking forward to that first game and hopefully getting a chance to feature?

Yeah, of course. If I have the opportunity to play, that would be amazing. I’m looking forward to all the tests we have at the Unity Cup. I think it’s a great way to integrate myself into the squad, meet everyone, and understand how we play and do things. Being able to play with fantastic players and against fantastic players is amazing. It’s everything I can ask for and I just hope I get an opportunity to play.

We’ve got a fantastic group in the goalkeeping department as well — Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Francis Uzoho, Adeleye. Looking forward to meeting these guys?

Definitely. I think in any country in the world, the goalkeeper union is very important. So yeah, I can’t wait to meet everyone, start competing with them, watch them play as well and take things from their game because they’re all fantastic goalkeepers.

Source Punch Ng

Posted May 29, 2026