Arthur Okonkwo was in action as Wrexham pipped Premier League heavyweights Manchester United 1-0 in a pre-season friendly match in Helsinki, Finland on Saturday, completesports.com reports.
Okonkwo, 24, has now kept clean sheets in back-to-back pre-season matches, after Wrexham played goalless with Wisla Krakow in their first tune up fixture last Saturday.
The only goal of the afternoon against United came on six minutes before half-time, when Sam Smith finished from close range after Lewis O’Brien burst down the left and drilled a low cross into the six-yard box.
United’s defence switched off, allowing the striker to steal in unmarked and tap past Tom Heaton.
Okonkwo came up against a strong United starting XI which include summer signing Andrey Santos, who made his debut in midfield alongside Mason Mount, Bryan Mbeumo, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro.
The Nigerian international was then replaced before the start of the second half.
Also Read: Okonkwo Reveals All-Time Super Eagles Best Eleven
Michael Carrick changed most of his side at the break, giving several academy players valuable minutes. Ethan Wheatley came closest to finding an equaliser, but his effort was well saved by Danny Ward as Wrexham held firm.
United looked short of sharpness for long spells, although that was to be expected with a number of senior players, including Bruno Fernandes, Youri Tielemans and Benjamin Sesko, unavailable following the World Cup or injury.
Up next for Okonkwo and his teammates is another pre-season fixture this time against Leeds United next Saturday.
After featuring for England at U-16, U-17 and U-18, Okonkwo switched his allegiance to Nigeria and got his first international callup for the 2026 Unity Cup.
He made his debut in the Super Eagles semifinal clash with Zimbabwe at the Unity and helped the team to a 2-0 win.
Also, he was in goal as the Super Eagles thrashed Jamaica 3-0 in the final of the four-nation tournament in London.
James Agberebi
