“Grew up watching” – Super Eagles prospect Arthur Okonkwo calls Manchester legend his goalkeeping GOAT

Nigerian goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has named Manchester United's legendary goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar as his greatest of all time, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Okonkwo has enjoyed a slow but steady rise over the last three years. He joined The Red Dragons from Arsenal in 2024 and helped Wrexham gain promotion from English League One to the Championship. He has since maintained his place between the sticks, keeping ten clean sheets in 38 appearances.

​The 24-year-old's key attributes are his calmness, agility, and aerial dominance. He is also proficient with the ball at his feet. Naturally, he is expected to continue improving and refining his game as he matures.

​In a recent interview on the Wrexham Podcast, Okonkwo spoke about his goalkeeping journey and revealed that former Manchester United shot-stopper Van der Sar was one of his primary influences growing up, as he watched him extensively.

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​The Dutchman is arguably the greatest goalkeeper to grace the Premier League, having achieved immense success with the Red Devils, including winning the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

​Interestingly, Van der Sar and Okonkwo are almost exactly the same height. The Super Eagles prospect will be hoping to eventually match the grand achievements of his mentor.

​Arthur Okonkwo Looking For Strong Championship Finish

​In just four years, Wrexham has grown from a club in the National League of English football to a competitor in the Championship. In fact, having only recently gained promotion to the Championship, they are already in the mix for a spot in the Premier League.

​The Red Dragons currently sit 7th in the Championship standings, just two points behind 6th-placed Southampton for the final playoff spot.

​With five games left to play, Arthur Okonkwo and his teammates have every reason to dream, as a strong run of form could secure them a playoff position.

​Wrexham will face Birmingham, Stoke, Oxford, Coventry, and Middlesbrough in their final games of the campaign, where they will be looking to pick up maximum points.

​Okonkwo will certainly have to be at the top of his game to achieve this. Perhaps, if he receives a Super Eagles call-up in June, he will be able to celebrate it alongside a historic club promotion.