Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo says he understands the passion of Nigerian supporters and will use criticism as motivation if he has a poor performance for the Super Eagles.
The 24-year-old made the comments in an interview published by The PUNCH and circulated by NPFL Updates, stating that fan reactions are a normal part of football and that he often shares the same disappointment after matches. He said staying connected to supporters would help build trust and push him to compete harder for the national team.
Okonkwo, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, had his request to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria approved by FIFA on April 8. He previously represented England at youth level from under-16 to under-18.
He has now received his first senior Nigeria call-up under head coach Eric Chelle for June friendlies against Poland and Portugal. The matches are scheduled for June 3 at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw and June 10 in Leiria.
He joins Maduka Okoye and Francis Uzoho as the three goalkeepers in the squad as Nigeria begins rebuilding after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, its second consecutive absence.