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Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has explained why goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is yet to join Nigeria’s camp ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
Chelle said Okoye’s Italian club, Udinese, asked that the goalkeeper remain behind temporarily to take part in some activities with the club.
“His club Udinese asked me to let him make some activities for the club. He was supposed to come but is not here,” Chelle said at a press conference.
The coach, however, said he would manage the situation and make the necessary decisions ahead of Nigeria’s opening qualifier against Madagascar.
“I will manage the situation because I have to take some decisions,” he added.
Okoye is the only member of Nigeria’s 24-man squad yet to arrive in camp as the Super Eagles intensify preparations in Uyo for Friday’s encounter.
Nigeria will begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The Super Eagles will then travel to Bissau for their second Group L fixture against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.
The fixtures were confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) when Chelle announced his squad for the qualifiers.
With Okoye’s arrival delayed, Chelle has been working with the two other goalkeepers in the squad Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo.
Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United in South Africa, has returned to the national team after missing Nigeria’s recent international assignments.
Okonkwo, who plays for Charlton Athletic, is also pushing for the starting position following his impressive performances during the Unity Cup.
The NFF squad for the AFCON qualifiers includes Okonkwo, Okoye and Nwabali as Nigeria’s three goalkeeping options.
Okoye’s absence from the early stages of preparations has therefore left Chelle with an important decision to make in goal ahead of Friday’s opening qualifier.
The Super Eagles will be looking to begin their qualification campaign on a positive note when they face Madagascar in Uyo before turning their attention to Guinea-Bissau four days later.
