Former Arsenal academy goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has been included in Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, adding fresh competition to Eric Chelle’s goalkeeping department.

The 24-year-old’s call-up was confirmed on Monday after his club, Charlton Athletic, announced that he had been selected for Nigeria’s September fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Having enjoyed a perfect start to his international career with two clean sheets in two senior appearances, Okonkwo now faces his biggest test yet as the Super Eagles begin a high-stakes qualifying campaign.

Okonkwo’s early outings in Nigeria colours could hardly have gone better.

He made his senior debut in a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe during the Unity Cup semi-final in London before keeping another clean sheet in the 3-0 final win against Jamaica just four days later.

The former Arsenal goalkeeper will compete with Stanley Nwabali, and Maduka Okoye, the experienced Udinese shot-stopper who remains a trusted option for Chelle.

The competition gives the coaching staff multiple quality choices as Nigeria looks to avoid another disappointing qualifying campaign following the Super Eagles’ failure to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles will open their Group L campaign against Madagascar on September 25 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Four days later, they will travel to face Guinea-Bissau in what promises to be another crucial encounter.

Nigeria’s route to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is complicated by the presence of Tanzania, one of the tournament’s co-hosts. Although Tanzania have already secured automatic qualification, only one additional team from Group L will advance, increasing the importance of every fixture.

Former Leicester City and England striker Jamie Vardy has joined Burnley until the end of the season.

The 39-year-old, who is Leicester’s record Premier League scorer with 145 goals, departed for Cremonese in 2025.

Vardy left the Italian side in the summer and now joins the winless Clarets who are bottom of the Championship.

“This club has a proper footballing history and passionate fans who deserve a team that represents them and their town,” Vardy told the club website.

“I can’t wait to get going on the pitch and help the team move in the right direction.”

Vardy, who won 26 caps for England, scoring seven goals, spent 13 years at Leicester after signing from non-league Fleetwood Town in 2012.

He went on to score 200 goals in all competitions in 500 appearances.

Burnley, relegated from the Premier League last season, have made a poor start back in the second tier and have not won in five matches under new boss Nicky Hayen.

On Saturday they conceded two goals in the final 10 minutes to lose 2-1 at home to Bristol City.

“His experience and leadership will be invaluable to our squad, and we believe he can make a significant impact on our campaign,” Hayen added.

“Jamie has a proven track record, and we are looking forward to seeing him in a Claret shirt.”

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has admitted the club may have brought Moises Caicedo back too quickly as the midfielder continues his recovery from a recurring injury concern.

The Blues boss offered a cautious fitness update on the player after Chelsea’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Arsenal.

Caicedo’s absence at the Emirates Stadium raised fresh questions about his condition after he was forced off early in Chelsea’s previous match against Brighton.

Caicedo did not travel with the squad for Sunday’s London derby, with Romeo Lavia and Reece James filling the midfield roles in his absence.

The Ecuadorian sustained an injury in the 14th minute against Brighton, prompting Chelsea’s medical staff to conduct a thorough assessment.

Speaking after the Arsenal defeat, Alonso acknowledged that Chelsea may have been too eager to reintroduce the midfielder.

Rather than setting a firm return date, the Spaniard emphasised the importance of managing the player’s workload properly.

He said, “Not longer term, but it is about assessing the risk. Probably last week we took him too early, and I don’t want to make the same mistake again.”

The Chelsea boss added that his main focus is all about securing victories on the pitch.

He added, “My clear priority is to win games and it is easier when you don’t concede. This is something that we need to address. But it’s a new era here and I’m happy with my players, happy with the attitude.”

“It was a great game to witness on the touchline, the players from both sides gave everything… It hurts to lose any game and hurts to lose here at the Emirates.”