Search for a reliable goalkeeper ahead of AFCON: Nigeria should approach Arsenal's Hale End product

Published: October 17, 2023

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in January, the Super Eagles goalkeeping department does not inspire confidence.

Despite his shaky performances, Francis Uzoho seems to be good enough for José Peseiro and the rest of the coaching crew.

However, if Nigeria are not to hamper their chances of qualifying for the FIFA 2026 World Cup and bolster their chances of triumphing at next year's AFCON, Uzoho can't be relied upon and has shown that repeatedly.

With Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye and Olorunleke Ojo not being deemed good enough to be the first-choice goalkeeper, Peseiro might want to consider Arsenal academy graduate Arthur Okonkwo.

While the Hale End product has not broken into Arsenal's first team he has shown glimpses of what he can do at the professional level.

During his loan spell with Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz last season, he kept a combined 16 clean sheets across all competitions and also helped Sturm Graz scoop the Austrian Cup for the first time since 2018.

He is presently on another loan spell with English Football League Two side Wrexham and has kept 3 clean sheets in five appearances across all competitions.

According to the revered statistical website, whoscored.com, the 22-year-old has strong penalty-saving and shot-stopping abilities, which makes him a good option for Nigeria.

While Okonkwo still has to improve with his long passes and concentration, he could prove to be an upgrade on the present goalkeeping options.

Therefore, if Peseiro is willing to let another goalkeeper challenge Uzoho, the London born shot-stopper of Nigerian descent should be approached to come play for his fatherland.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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