Arthur Okonkwo has hailed his decision to sign permanently for Wrexham as the “right move” following a remarkable season that ended with the club securing Championship football for the first time in 43 years.
The former Arsenal stopper initially joined Wrexham on loan in 2023/24 and impressed as part of the squad that earned promotion from League Two. Released by the Gunners last summer, Okonkwo attracted interest from elsewhere but chose to commit his future to Phil Parkinson’s ambitious project in North Wales.
Okonkwo Reflects On ‘Right Move’ After Wrexham’s Historic Promotion
He penned a three-year deal and has gone on to justify that faith, recording 19 clean sheets in 33 League One appearances during a campaign that saw Wrexham finish second behind Birmingham City.
“It was definitely the right move and I’m extremely happy,” said Okonkwo. “When I spoke to the gaffer last summer before I joined, straight away I knew that this was the right move. The manager had a plan, he said he wanted to go and do it again, and I signed.”
The Reds clinched automatic promotion with a game to spare after beating Charlton Athletic 3-0 at The Racecourse. Goals from Ollie Rathbone and Sam Smith inside the first 18 minutes set the tone, with Smith later adding a second to cap off a commanding performance in front of a jubilant home crowd.
Okonkwo admitted the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming after months of hard work behind the scenes.
“It was unreal. A really emotional day. We’ve been working so hard towards that goal for the whole season and to finally achieve it is an unreal moment. We had that pressure before the game against Charlton but we’re a good set of lads who can handle that pressure and it showed.”
With rivals Wycombe Wanderers losing to Leyton Orient earlier in the day, the path was clear for Parkinson’s side to secure back-to-back-to-back promotions—an extraordinary rise from the National League to the second tier in just three seasons.
“I never had any doubt and there is so much relief and one of the best feelings knowing that we’ve done it,” added Okonkwo. “Now it’s just working towards next season. We’re going to have to change a lot of things and improve but for now, I am just going to enjoy it and soak it all in.”
Wrexham’s rise has been one of the stories of the footballing calendar, and with Championship football now secured, preparations will soon begin for a new chapter at The Racecourse.
Writer’s View
Arthur Okonkwo’s decision to stay with Wrexham has paid off handsomely—for both player and club. His consistency and calm presence between the posts helped solidify a defence that carried the club to an unprecedented third straight promotion.
As the Reds prepare to return to the Championship for the first time since 1982, keeping key personnel like Okonkwo will be crucial.
