 In October 2004, his agent recommended Okoronkwo to coach Samson Siasia and he was fundamental for Nigeria's U-20 qualifying for the African Youth Championship in Benin 2005.He was also on the Nigerian Under 23 team that won silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.Okoronkwo was called up for his first senior cap in October 2008 by Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu.