Nigeria have progressed to the second round of the African qualifying route to the World Cup, stopping Wrexham’s Issa Kabore from achieving an international dream.
Burkina Faso appeared to progress in World Cup qualifying; however, a Nigerian victory eliminated them from the process, meaning they will have to wait four more years to potentially make their debut at the competition.
However, the reaction on social media from Nigerians is not one of overwhelming celebration; there is worry that they will not reach the World Cup for consecutive tournaments after appearing in the three prior.
Now, there have been calls from fans for a Wrexham star to save their World Cup dreams ahead of the next round of qualifying.
Nigerian fans want Arthur Okonkwo selected for the Super Eagles
While Nigeria kept a clean sheet in their last performance against Benin to secure passage to the next round of African qualifying for the World Cup, there is not a lot of belief that their keeper is good enough.
That is according to fans on social media, and so regarding this issue, they have identified Wrexham star Arthur Okonkwo as the man to fix this issue, particularly after one huge mistake by the current Nigeria keeper.
One fan said: “Arthur Okonkwo is eligible to play for us straight away. He has been cleared by FIFA to switch. He has made himself available. He has been putting in decent performances in the championship. Why he hasn’t been called is still a surprise to me.”
Another fan said: “We should approach Arthur Okonkwo of Wrexham.
“This one [Nwabali] is a disaster waiting to happen.”
This outcry for Okonkwo comes a year after it was announced that he was eligible to feature for the Super Eagles after FIFA approved the move for him to represent Nigeria after playing underage for England.
Another fan said: “Stanley Nwabali is not international quality… I have never been a fan! Maduka Okoye is a better keeper! We should try and poach Arthur Okonkwo of Wrexham!”
While one simply summarised it in one sentence, they said: “Get Arthur Okonkwo from Wrexham.”
Arthur Okonkwo’s international career
The Wrexham keeper has never featured in a senior international match despite opting to represent Nigeria last year, with the Super Eagles declining to give him the opportunity.
Okonkwo did not represent the African nation at underage; however, like several players to have represented the country, he was born in England and so played for his country of birth through the youth levels.
He featured for England at each level from Under-16 to Under-18, making a total of 10 appearances wearing the Three Lions youth jersey.
The 24-year-old has demonstrated that he is able to perform consistently in the Championship, and with the concern surrounding the current Nigerian keeper situation, there is a chance that he could become the first choice for the Super Eagles.