Okonkwo praised after 2-1 Charlton win at West Ham in Championship

Arthur Okonkwo produced an outstanding debut as Charlton Athletic opened their Championship campaign with a 2-1 victory at West Ham United. The Nigerian goalkeeper made eight important saves to help his new side protect its lead.

Charlton took control through goals from Lloyd Jones and Tyreece Campbell before Joël Piroe pulled one back for West Ham in the 74th minute. Okonkwo then helped the visitors hold on as the home side pushed for an equaliser.

The 24-year-old dealt confidently with a Castellanos header in first-half stoppage time and used one hand to keep out Piroe’s effort from the edge of the penalty area. He also turned another Castellanos attempt away after the interval and tipped a shot from Manchester City loanee Divine Mukasa over the crossbar.

Sofascore named Okonkwo the match’s best player, giving him a rating of 8.3. His display came after Charlton completed a season-long loan deal from Wrexham in time for him to start against West Ham.

Charlton manager Nathan Jones praised both the goalkeeper’s performance and his approach since arriving at the club. Jones said Okonkwo had been exceptional and highlighted the player’s strong desire to join Charlton.

The result gives Charlton two wins from two matches and a perfect start to the new season. Okonkwo moved to the club after falling down the goalkeeping order at Wrexham, where he is in the final year of his contract.

Unless Wrexham renew that deal, Okonkwo will leave the club as a free agent at the end of the season. His immediate focus, however, is on building from a debut that played a major part in Charlton’s win.