Despite previously representing England at U16, U17, and U18 levels, the former Arsenal youngster switched his international allegiance to Nigeria and has now been rewarded with a place in Eric Chelle’s squad.
The Super Eagles coach continues rebuilding his team following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Okonkwo among the fresh faces selected for the high-profile European clashes.
Also earning a first senior invitation is Plymouth striker Oseni Owen, while Stanley Nwabali was a notable omission after recently becoming a free agent following his departure from South African side Chippa United.
Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen headlines the squad alongside Atletico Madrid forward Ademola Lookman and Fulham trio Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze.
In goal, Udinese shot-stopper Maduka Okoye will compete with Francis Uzoho and Okonkwo for the number one shirt.
The defensive department includes Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Slavia Prague defender Igoh Ogbu.
Nigeria’s attacking options are boosted by Turkish Super Lig joint-top scorer Paul Onuachu, Sevilla striker Akor Adams, FC Porto’s Terem Moffi, and Nantes winger Moses Simon.
The three-time African champions will face Robert Lewandowski’s Poland on June 3 at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw before travelling to Leiria to take on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal seven days later.
NIGERIA FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Arthur Okonkwo (Wrexham FC, England); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders: Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympique Marseille, France); Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Terem Moffi (FC Porto, Portugal)