Former Arsenal academy player Arthur Okonkwo was in goal for Wrexham on Saturday as the Championship side lost to Chelsea in a dramatic FA Cup tie.
Wrexham had taken the lead through Sam Smith before Chelsea equalised in unusual circumstances when a clearance rebounded off Okonkwo’s back into the net for an own goal. Josh Windass later restored Wrexham’s lead before Josh Acheampong equalised for Chelsea. Alejandro Garnacho then scored in extra time to put Chelsea ahead, while Joao Pedro sealed the win late in the match.
Okonkwo’s penalty shootout heroics helped Wrexham see off Premier League side Nottingham Forest 4-3 in the FA Cup third round as the 24-year-old goalkeeper saved two spot kicks to set up the clash with Chelsea.
The shot stopper, who has Nigerian roots, was born on September 9, 2001 in London to Igbo parents. He joined the Arsenal academy at the age of eight and progressed through the club’s youth ranks.
He signed a senior contract with Arsenal in 2021 and made his first-team debut in a friendly against Hibernian that year.
Okonkwo later had loan spells with Crewe Alexandra and Austrian side SK Sturm Graz before joining Wrexham on loan in 2023 following the retirement of goalkeeper Ben Foster.
After making 40 appearances during the season, he signed permanently for the Welsh club in June 2024.
At international level, Okonkwo represented England at youth level but in December 2025 FIFA approved his request to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria. His decision to switch was said to have followed a June meeting in London with Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle during the Unity Cup tournament, which Nigeria won.
Okonkwo has said former goalkeepers Petr Cech and David De Gea influenced his style of play. Speaking about his position, he once said: “I tried playing outfield but it wasn’t for me. I enjoyed the thrill of making saves – the more spectacular the better”.
His younger brother Brian is also a goalkeeper and plays for West Bromwich Albion’s academy.
