Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has shed light on why goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has not joined the team's camp ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign. Okoye's Italian club, Udinese, requested that he remain behind to participate in some activities. Chelle made this revelation during a press conference, stating that Okoye was supposed to join the team but is not present.
The Super Eagles are intensifying preparations in Uyo for their opening qualifier against Madagascar on Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Okoye is the only member of Nigeria's 24-man squad yet to arrive in camp. Chelle, however, remains confident that he will manage the situation and make necessary decisions ahead of the match. He 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 pushing for the starting position following his impressive performances during the Unity Cup. Both goalkeepers are vying for a spot in the starting lineup, and Chelle's decision on who will start against Madagascar will be crucial.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the fixtures for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers when Chelle announced his squad. Nigeria will face Madagascar on Friday, September 25, and then travel to Bissau for their second Group L fixture against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29. The team will be looking to begin their qualification campaign on a positive note.
Okoye's absence has left Chelle with an important decision to make in goal ahead of Friday's opening qualifier. The coach will have to weigh the options and make a choice that will give the team the best chance of success. The Super Eagles will be looking to build on their recent performances and make a strong statement in the qualifiers.
The NFF squad for the AFCON qualifiers includes Okonkwo, Okoye, and Nwabali as Nigeria's three goalkeeping options. Chelle's decision on who will start will be crucial in determining the team's chances of success. The coach has experience in making tough decisions and will likely choose the goalkeeper who will give the team the best chance of winning.
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. The team's performance in the qualifiers will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike, and Chelle will be under pressure to deliver a strong result.
Key points
- Maduka Okoye's absence from the Super Eagles camp is due to Udinese's request for him to participate in club activities.
- Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is confident that he will manage the situation and make necessary decisions ahead of the match against Madagascar.
- The Super Eagles will face Madagascar on Friday, September 25, and Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29, in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
