Arsenal loanee Okonkwo confesses he was nervous making his debut against Red Bull Salzburg 

Arsenal loanee Arthur Okonkwo has admitted that he was nervous about making his competitive debut for Sturm Graz. 

The Hale End Academy graduate's first official game for Sturm Graz was against Austrian powerhouse Red Bull Salzburg in the quarterfinals of the UNIQA ÖFB Cup on February 3.

Sturm Graz progressed to the next round of the UNIQA ÖFB Cup after a 5-4 win on penalties against Salzburg, with Okonkwo saving a penalty in the shootout. 

Red Bull Salzburg's equalizer in the 77th minute that took the game to extra time was as a result of his mistake and it was the only blot to his copy book, allowing a shot from long range slip through his hands and into the net. 

Speaking to Sturm Graz's official webpage this past week, Okonkwo stated : "Before the game I knew how important this game is for the team and the fans.

"I was a bit nervous about making my debut in such a game for Sturm.

"But in the end everything went well and we won the penalty shootout - just a sense of relief for me."

A week later, Okonkwo also felt similar feelings on his home debut in a Bundesliga clash against Rapid Vienna staged at the Merkur Arena, where he kept his first clean sheet for Die Schwoazn.

A header from David Affengruber in the first minute of second half stoppage time secured three points for Sturm Graz. 

"Such a last-minute winning goal and then in front of a full house at the start of the new year in the league, I couldn't imagine anything nicer at that moment," added Okonkwo.

Since Okonkwo's arrival at Sturm Graz, they have won six out of seven matches in all competitions. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : arsenal.com

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