Arsenal youth goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo keeps another clean sheet for Crewe Alexandra

ARSENAL'S Nigeria-eligible youth goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo continued his impressive loan spell at English League Two side Crewe Alexandra keeping another clean sheet over the weekend as his side were held to a goalless draw by Carlisle United.

British-born Okonkwo, 21, has played with the England U17 team before and a few years ago, former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr asked him to switch his allegiance and opt to play for Nigeria at the senior level. In search of regular game time following his promotion to the Arsenal first team in the summer of 2021, Okonkwo joined Crewe Alexandra on a season-long loan in July.

Since arriving at Crewe, Okonkwo has performed excellently, posting five clean sheets in matches against Harrogate Town. Sutton United, Bradford, Crawley Town and Carlisle United, while conceding just 11 goals in as many appearances. He has been one of the revelations for a Crewe Alexandra team who are four points behind the promotion play-off positions with their sights firmly set in League One.

Against Carlisle, Okonkwo made a great save to deny Gibson from breaking the deadlock in the 52nd minute, pushing the winger's shot from 30 yards out behind for a corner. Then, with 15 minutes remaining, the Arsenal loanee was alert when Patrick tried his luck after creating space for a shot.

Okonkwo is yet to make his senior debut for Arsenal but has been named in 10 matchday squads including seven in the Premier League.  Mr Gernot had reached an agreement with Arsenal that would allow the goalkeeper to train with the Super Eagles and it is now up to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to invite him to camp.

Saying he would consider playing for Nigeria, Okonkwo however, expressed fears, stating that the pressure on players can be immense. He cited the instances of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Everton playmaker Alex Iwobi receiving death threats following Nigeria's elimination from the last African Cup of Nations in the second round by unfancied Tunisia.