Henry Onyekuru, who has yet to make an appearance for the Super Eagles in 2023, harbors aspirations of representing Nigeria in the upcoming 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Making his debut for the Super Eagles in a friendly against Togo in 2017, a match that ended in a 3-0 victory for Nigeria, Onyekuru has since accumulated sixteen appearances for the national team.

After an impressive 2018–2019 season with Turkish club Galatasaray, the 26-year-old earned a spot in Nigeria's final 23-man squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. However, his playing time was limited to one late substitute appearance in the Eagles’ 2-1 semifinal loss to eventual champions Algeria in al-Qāhirah, Cairo.

Despite a nearly two-year absence from the team, the Al-Fayha forward was called up for the final two AFCON qualifiers in 2021 against Benin Republic and Lesotho. He subsequently made the Super Eagles squad for the 2021 AFCON held in Cameroon in January 2022.

While coach Jose Peseiro has not included him in the national team in 2021, Henry Onyekuru remains determined to secure a spot in the squad for the 2023 AFCON, scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast from January 13, 2024.

“I was there at the last AFCON in Cameroon, and I am pushing to be there again,” Onyekuru emphasized to Arab News. Despite perceived skepticism about the intensity of the Saudi league in Nigerian football circles, he believes that his performances in the league demonstrate its competitiveness. He expressed unwavering determination, stating, "I am not giving up, and anything can happen."

Onyekuru has been delivering solid performances since joining Saudi Pro League club Al-Fayha, notching three goals and providing two assists in 14 league games for the Saudi side.