NFF on Okonkwo: Switch Done, But Cap Still Pending

FIFA approved Arthur Okonkwo’s switch to Nigeria back in December 2025, yet the NFF is still talking about “ongoing” paperwork. Here’s what’s actually happening, and why it matters ahead of the Amman tournament in March.

There’s a bit of confusion around Arthur Okonkwo’s eligibility to play for the Super Eagles, and the NFF’s latest comments haven’t exactly cleared it up. On February 27, NFF Head of International Competitions Dayo Enebi told reporters that the Wrexham goalkeeper’s international switch to Nigeria “has not been concluded.” But multiple credible sources, including Pulse Sports Nigeria and PM News, reported back in December 2025 that FIFA had officially approved the switch. ESPN confirmed the same in January 2026. So what’s going on? The most likely explanation is that while FIFA’s formal approval came through in December, the internal NFF processing and first-team squad integration are still being finalised. Enebi’s language, “the process is still ongoing,” may refer to the administrative steps that follow FIFA’s decision rather than to FIFA’s approval itself. Either way, what’s not in doubt is that Okonkwo, 24, is eligible to represent Nigeria. The bigger question now is when he’ll actually pull on the green and white.

“Okonkwo is one we are looking at, but as of today, his international switch has not been concluded. I can confirm that he is definitely one of the players being primed to switch to Nigeria, even though the switch is still in progress.”

— Dayo Enebi, NFF Head of International Competitions

Amman Could Be His First Taste of the Setup

The NFF confirmed on February 20 that the Super Eagles will compete in a Four-Nation Invitational Tournament in Amman, Jordan, during the March 2026 FIFA international window. Nigeria face Iran at the 17,000-capacity Amman International Stadium on Friday, March 27, then play hosts Jordan on Tuesday, March 31. Costa Rica is the fourth team in the tournament.

Enebi revealed that Okonkwo could be invited to that camp even if his formal Super Eagles debut has to wait.

“I think the coach will invite Okonkwo for the tournament in Amman. It is not an official competition, so even if his switch is not completed by then, he can still come to train and familiarise himself with the team.”

— Dayo Enebi

That’s a smart move from the federation. Getting Okonkwo into a training environment early, watching how he fits into Eric Chelle’s system, seeing how he communicates with defenders — these things matter before you hand someone a competitive cap.

Who Is Okonkwo, and Why Does Nigeria Want Him?

Arthur Chukwuezugo Okonkwo was born on September 9, 2001, in London. He came through Arsenal’s celebrated Hale End Academy, one of the most respected youth development systems in world football. He represented England at various youth levels before Arsenal eventually moved him on, and he found his footing at Wrexham in the EFL Championship.

At 6’5″, Okonkwo is physically imposing. His shot-stopping, aerial dominance, and ability to play out from the back suit the modern goalkeeper profile that top coaches want. By January 2026, he had already made 66 saves and kept 5 clean sheets in the Championship, catching attention well beyond Wales.

He starred in Wrexham’s FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest in January 2026, a result that put his name in front of a national audience. ESPN called him “Nigeria’s new goalkeeper” in their match report. The tag may have been slightly premature, but the substance wasn’t wrong.

Nigeria’s goalkeeping picture: The Super Eagles’ current first-choice is Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United, who has been the undisputed number one throughout the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and AFCON 2025 in Morocco. Francis Uzoho and Amas Obasogie have featured as backup options. Adding Okonkwo, with his Premier League academy background and Championship experience, gives Nigeria genuine depth and long-term competition for the number one shirt.

A Broader Squad-Building Push

Enebi made clear that Okonkwo isn’t the only new face being brought into the fold. He mentioned that Ola Aina is back after a period away from the squad, and that another Europe-based player, whom he referred to as “Frederick,” is also expected to return. With three or four additional new faces being lined up, the Super Eagles pool heading into 2026 looks significantly deeper than it did at AFCON.

Nigeria finished third at AFCON 2025 in Morocco. The World Cup is in North America in the summer of 2026, but Nigeria didn’t qualify. The Amman tournament, as a non-competitive fixture, becomes an important testing ground for new players and combinations under Chelle.

📊 Editorial Perspective

The NFF’s communication around Okonkwo has been muddled. FIFA approved his switch in December 2025. The NFF itself welcomed the move in January 2026. Yet here we are in late February with the federation’s own official describing the process as “still ongoing.” That kind of mixed messaging frustrates fans and creates unnecessary confusion.

What’s clear is that Okonkwo is eligible, and Nigeria wants him. The Amman camp is the logical next step. Beyond the paperwork, what matters most is whether Okonkwo himself is committed to the Super Eagles project. He’s 24, playing at a good level in the Championship, and has his best years ahead of him. If he’s serious about Nigeria, this March window is the moment to show it.

For Nigeria, the goalkeeping position has always been a strength. From Ike Shorunmu to Vincent Enyeama to Carl Ikeme, Nigeria has a proud tradition there. Okonkwo has the tools to continue it. But the NFF needs to sort its communication out before it creates a story where there doesn’t need to be one.

What Comes Next

Nigeria open camp in Amman on March 24, 2026. If Okonkwo gets his invite, expect his first proper introduction to the Super Eagles environment to happen there. A competitive cap could then follow in subsequent windows, whether in AFCON qualifying or other tournaments.

The NFF’s priority now should be getting the squad together, settling on a clear goalkeeping hierarchy, and using the Amman games against Iran and Jordan to give players like Okonkwo real minutes under Chelle’s system.

Nigeria didn’t get to the 2026 World Cup. But a strong showing through the remainder of the year, with a refreshed squad and sharper competition for places, could set the foundation for a serious AFCON 2027 title push.

📌 Did You Know?

FIFA officially approved Arthur Okonkwo’s nationality switch from England to Nigeria in December 2025, making him immediately eligible to represent the Super Eagles in competitive matches.
Okonkwo came through Arsenal’s Hale End Academy, the same youth system that produced Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Jack Wilshere.
By January 2026, Okonkwo had made 66 saves and kept 5 clean sheets in the EFL Championship for Wrexham, putting him among the busier and more reliable keepers in the division.
The Amman Four-Nation Invitational will see Nigeria face Iran on March 27 and Jordan on March 31, with Costa Rica as the fourth team. The Super Eagles open camp on March 24.
Nigeria’s current first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, plays his club football for Chippa United in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League, having kept his place throughout AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
Ola Aina, one of the other players Enebi confirmed is returning to the Super Eagles fold, previously switched his own international allegiance from England youth football to Nigeria. He is now one of the team’s key defenders.
Nigeria finished third at AFCON 2025 in Morocco and did not qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making the Amman invitational one of the few competitive-style environments available to Chelle’s squad this March.