Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peterside Idah has urged newly cleared shot-stopper Arthur Okonkwo to prove himself at the international level, Soccernet.ng exclusively reports.
The former Lobi Stars goalie insists club form alone will not guarantee success for the Wrexham A.F.C goalkeeper with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Okonkwo recently received the green light from FIFA to represent the 2013 AFCON Champions after completing his nationality switch from England, ending months of uncertainty over his international future.
Arthur Okonkwo plays during the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County and Wrexham. Copyright: xMIxNewsx
The 22-year-old, who developed at Arsenal and currently competes in the EFL Championship, is expected to receive his maiden call-up ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international fixtures.
However, Idah believes the goalkeeper must first adapt to the unique demands of African football before staking a claim for a starting role.
“Well, he still has to prove himself. Being good for your club is quite different from playing for Nigeria,” Idah told Soccernet.ng.
“I’ve seen a lot of players perform very well at club level but struggle with the national team. It’s a different ball game entirely.”
The former international further highlighted the contrast between European and African football environments, noting that external conditions often play a significant role.
“When you’re in England, the weather is good, the clubs are well organised. But when you come to Africa, the situation is always different.”
Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo. Photo by IMAGO
No crisis in Super Eagles goalkeeping department
Despite Okonkwo’s arrival, Idah maintains that the Super Eagles are not short of quality options between the sticks.
Nigeria currently boasts a competitive goalkeeping pool, including Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, and first-choice Stanley Nwabali.
“That said, we already have two or three very good goalkeepers. In the last few years, I’m not sure we’ve really had problems in that department because [Stanley] Nwabali has done well, and Maduka [Okoye] has also come back,” he added.
Stanley Nwabali, for Nigeria during AFCON. Copyright: Imago/shengolpixsx
Idah concluded by encouraging Okonkwo to remain focused as he bids to break into the team.
“So he still needs to prove himself. But kudos to him—he just has to keep working hard to earn his place.”
Battle lines drawn for Okonkwo ahead of June fixtures
With Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle set to assemble his squad for friendlies against Portugal and Poland in June, competition for the number one shirt is expected to intensify.
Okonkwo’s inclusion could spark a fierce battle in goal — but as Idah insists, the former England youth international must first show he can handle the pressure of wearing the green and white.
