Arthur Okonkwo praised Charlton Athletic’s resilience after Nathan Jones’ side held Queens Park Rangers to a goalless draw on Wednesday night.
The result was a significant improvement following last weekend’s 4-0 defeat by Stoke City, with Charlton producing a disciplined defensive display at home.
Goalkeeper Okonkwo played an important part in securing the point, making two impressive saves to preserve his clean sheet against a strong QPR side.
The Nigeria international said Charlton’s players responded well to the demands of a tightly contested match, particularly after their disappointing performance at Stoke.
“We knew it was going to be difficult, but I thought the boys dug in well, especially after last week, and we defended really well,” Okonkwo told the club’s media.
Charlton were frustrated by some decisions during the opening half, according to Okonkwo, but he was pleased with the way the team protected its goal and came away with a point.
“I think we were a bit unfortunate with decisions against us in the first half, but in the end, a clean sheet against a really good side is always good, and we look to Saturday now.”
Okonkwo said Jones had made it clear before kick-off that Charlton needed to respond defensively after conceding four goals against Stoke.
“That was the manager’s message before the game. He wanted to see a reaction from us defensively,” he added.
The goalkeeper acknowledged that decisions had also gone against Charlton in the Stoke match, but said the team could not use that as an explanation for aspects of its defending.
“I think the game against Stoke, we had some decisions against us as well, which set us back, but there’s no excuse for how we defended at times.”
He felt Wednesday’s performance showed a clear improvement, particularly in the way Charlton defended inside their own penalty area.
“Today was a good reaction. We stayed strong, defended our box really well, and we were able to get a clean sheet. Would have liked to have won, but that’s football.”
Charlton now prepare for their next Championship fixture, when they face Portsmouth on Saturday. Jones’ side will aim to build on the defensive organisation that earned them a clean sheet against Queens Park Rangers.
The match came after Charlton confirmed Okonkwo’s call-up for Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of their AFCON 2027 qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.