Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has explained why goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is yet to join the team’s camp ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Madagascar. Okoye is the only player among the 24-man squad invited by Chelle for the matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau who is yet to report for duty.
The Udinese goalkeeper’s absence had sparked speculation ahead of Friday’s encounter, but Chelle has clarified that Okoye was granted permission to remain with his club. “His club asked me to allow him to take care of some club-related activities, and I agreed. Now, I have to manage the situation,” Chelle told journalists at a press conference in Uyo on Thursday.
With Okoye unavailable, Chelle is expected to choose between Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Charlton Athletic’s Arthur Okonkwo to start against Madagascar. The Super Eagles will face Corentin Martins’ side at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm Nigeria time.