Done deal: Arsenal loan out Nigerian striker-turned-goalkeeper whose brother is on NFF's radar

Through a statement on the official website, Premier League giants Arsenal have announced that promising Nigerian goalkeeper Brian Okonkwo has been loaned out for the remainder of the campaign.

Brian Okonkwo has returned for a second spell at non-league club Hitchin Town, with whom he played for on a one-match loan in February 2023.

Brian comes from a goalkeeping family, with his elder brother Arthur Okonkwo also a goalkeeper and was named the best goalkeeper in the League Two for the 2023-2024 season after starring for Wrexham. 

NFF technical director, Augustine Eguavoen, has engaged in multiple discussions with Arthur Okonkwo regarding a potential future call-up to the national team.

A few years back, former Nigerian Federation president Amaju Pinnick recommended the Arsenal-trained goalkeeper to then-Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr, but the German tactician deemed him too young for a senior team invitation.

Brian Okonkwo initially started out his career as a striker before he was converted into a goalkeeper and previously enjoyed loan spells at Leatherhead and Cheshunt

The 19-year-old joined Arsenal in 2018 following a successful trial and signed his first professional contract with the Londoners before the start of the 2024-2025 season.

This season, he has represented the Gunners in the EFL Trophy and Premier League 2, and has been invited to train with the first team on several occasions. 

The Okonkwos qualify to represent Nigeria through their father, Uba Okonkwo who is originally from Anambra State.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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