Former Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward has praised Nigerian shot-stopper Arthur Okonkwo for his brilliant campaign with Wrexham in the just-concluded Championship season, Soccernet.ng reports.
The last two years have been pivotal for Okonkwo's career. Since joining Wrexham two years ago, he quickly established himself as the club's first-choice goalkeeper.
Going into the recently concluded season, Okonkwo was initially expected to play second fiddle to Ward—the former Liverpool and Leicester City goalie brought in to bolster Wrexham's promotion charge.
LHowever, a long-term injury sidelined the 32-year-old Ward until the turn of the year, opening the door for the 24-year-old Nigerian.
Okonkwo seized the opportunity, claiming the starting spot and going on to feature in 39 league games while keeping ten clean sheets.
Although Okonkwo eventually lost his starting role back to Ward toward the end of the campaign, there is no bad blood in what has become a highly competitive goalkeeping department. Ward had nothing but praise for his young teammate in a recent interview.
”I think he's [Okonkwo] had a brilliant season; he's been really impressive,” Ward said.
”Such a young lad in goalkeeping terms and such a young man, he's come on leaps and bounds this year. Nothing seems to faze him, which I think is a really underestimated skill as a goalkeeper.
”A lot of it is in your mind and that mental capacity. I think he's been fantastic, so there's still a lot more to come from Arthur, that's for sure.”
Arthur Okonkwo Set for Super Eagles Debut at Unity Cup
Arthur Okonkwo's stellar performances have seen his profile rise significantly, particularly among Nigerian football fans.
The Arsenal academy graduate has Nigerian roots, but having been born in England, he initially chose to represent the Three Lions at the youth international level. However, he never progressed past the junior teams.
Consequently, he recently committed his international future to Nigeria and is now poised to earn his first senior caps.
Ahead of the 2026 Unity Cup, reports indicate that Okonkwo will be included in the squad for the tournament, which features Nigeria, India, Jamaica, and Zimbabwe.
The competition will provide the perfect platform for him to showcase his quality to the Super Eagles coaching staff and stake his claim for a permanent spot in the national team.
