Confirmed: Super Eagles coach Chelle invites ex-Arsenal lad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Arthur Okonkwo’s return to the Super Eagles squad is now confirmed, giving Eric Chelle another goalkeeper option ahead of Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.

Charlton Athletic announced on Monday that the former Arsenal academy goalkeeper has been called up for the September games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The 24-year-old has only two senior Nigeria caps, but both came with clean sheets. He started Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup semi-final at The Valley in London on May 26, before keeping another clean sheet in the 3-0 final win over Jamaica four days later.

Those two matches gave Okonkwo a perfect start to his Nigeria career. Against Zimbabwe, he had a relatively quiet night but made an important save when the Warriors threatened after the break. Against Jamaica, he dealt confidently with the Reggae Boyz and produced a low second-half save to protect Nigeria’s lead.

Now the challenge is different. Nigeria’s next matches are competitive AFCON qualifiers, not an invitational tournament. Chelle will need a goalkeeper who can handle the pressure of starting a new qualification campaign, especially after Nigeria missed the 2026 World Cup. CAF has confirmed that Nigeria will face Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Super Eagles: Okonkwo gets another chance

Okonkwo’s call-up comes after an encouraging first international experience and a strong club background. He came through Arsenal’s system, spent time on loan at Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz, and later became an important goalkeeper for Wrexham. He joined Charlton Athletic on a season-long loan this summer and has made four appearances for the Addicks.

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The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will kick off later this month

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Chelle is unlikely to hand Okonkwo the goalkeeper shirt without competition. Stanley Nwabali is the obvious rival after establishing himself as Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper in recent international campaigns. Udinese goalie Maduka Okoye is another strong candidate and has also been selected by Chelle in previous squads.

That creates an interesting three-way battle. Okonkwo has the advantage of his two clean-sheet performances for Nigeria, Nwabali brings more international experience, while Okoye offers another experienced alternative. Chelle's decision could therefore be one of the more closely watched selection calls when Nigeria begin their Group L campaign.

Nigeria are in a tricky group with Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and co-hosts Tanzania. Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON because they are one of the hosts, meaning only the highest-ranked qualifying team apart from Tanzania will take the additional qualification place from Group L.