Confirmed: Nigerian goalkeeper joins West Brom after Arsenal departure

Through a statement on the official website, Championship club West Brom have announced the signing of London-born Nigerian goalkeeper Brian Okonkwo following his departure from Arsenal.

Brian Okonkwo was released by Arsenal at the end of last season, along with fellow players of Nigerian descent Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Zac Shuaib, who later secured moves to FC Lausanne and Real Sociedad respectively.

Okonkwo has ended his search for a new club, signing a one-year deal with the Baggies following a successful trial.

West Brom rewarded the 19-year-old with a contract following a promising start to the campaign, highlighted by the clean sheet he recorded against Crystal Palace on August 29.

Brian is the younger brother of Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who is also a product of Arsenal's Hale End Academy.

During his time at Arsenal, the younger Okonkwo enjoyed multiple loan spells at non-league clubs Hitchin Town, Leatherhead and Cheshunt, but left the London club without receiving a call-up for a first team game.

He initially started out his career as a striker before he was converted into a goalkeeper.

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

Brian links up with Daniel Chimeziri, Joel Asomugha, Abdul Abudu and Adam Okorodudu in the West Brom Academy ranks.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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