'I need to see more of him' - Baruwa insists it is too early to fully assess Super Eagles GK Okonkwo

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Abiodun Baruwa has described Nigeria goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo as a "decent" shot-stopper but insists he needs to see more of him before making a comprehensive assessment.

Okonkwo made his Super Eagles debut during the Unity Cup, keeping two clean sheets as Nigeria recorded victories over Jamaica and Zimbabwe to successfully retain the title.

Speaking to Proudly Austin, Baruwa said the Wrexham goalkeeper showed promising qualities particularly in his ball handling.

“I saw him briefly. Ball handling is okay but I need to see more of him because I never watch him with Wrexham,” Baruwa explained.

“I saw him for a couple of minutes, he is decent, he is doing what he is supposed to be doing. But, it takes time to build to this level.”

The former Shooting Stars goalkeeper also expressed admiration for the work being done by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, praising the Malian tactician's relationship with players and his approach to team management.

According to Baruwa, Nigeria were unfortunate not to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but he remains optimistic about the future of the national team under Chelle's leadership.

“We are unlucky a little bit but with this set of players that we have now, with this coach, I think the sky is the limit,” he revealed.

“With his approach to the players, I saw him having a one-on-one conversation with some of the young players and I was listening.”

Baruwa revealed that he was particularly impressed by Chelle's interactions with younger members of the squad, noting similarities with motivational guidance he received during his own playing career.

“I remember when a coach was talking to me about 30 or 40 years ago and I could hear something like that coming out,” Baruwa said.

The former goalkeeper believes continuity will be crucial to the Super Eagles' progress and urged Nigerians to remain patient with the coach.

“I think he is a good coach for Nigeria. If we stick with him, trust him, he will qualify us for the next World Cup. I believe in that,” he concluded.

Following Nigeria's triumph at the Unity Cup, Eric Chelle will be eager to build on that success and guide the Super Eagles to qualification for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).