Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has faced criticism for his late arrival at the team's camp in Uyo. The camp opened on Sunday, with 23 players arriving on Monday for the team's first training session. Okoye, who plays for Udinese, was the only absentee. Footage of him surfaced on social media, showing him talking with American rapper Cardi B at Milan Fashion Week.
This was not the first time Okoye had been spotted with Cardi B; they were also seen together at Paris Fashion Week during the summer. The sighting on Tuesday night appeared to explain why Okoye had yet to report to camp, with his international teammates already preparing for Friday’s clash against Madagascar. There was no official communication from the Super Eagles regarding his expected arrival time.
Journalist Samuel Areo questioned the communication gap, while others criticised Okoye for what they described as habitual lateness to camp. Areo posted on X, highlighting the communication gap as a recurring problem. On-Air Personality Buchi Onakola also expressed concern, stating that Okoye's absence was an insult to the other players in camp.
A fan, Leye Mabeoruoraye, urged the Nigeria Football Federation to act on the issue. Mabeoruoraye stated that Okoye has always been coming late to Super Eagles camp and hoped that the NFF would address the issue. Okoye was left out of the last AFCON and has not been the first choice since taking a break from the team in 2022.
However, Okoye appeared to be reclaiming the position when Stanley Nwabali was left out of the squad in March and June. Okoye delivered impressive displays against Poland and Portugal in June, seemingly earning the trust of coach Eric Chelle. With Nwabali back in the squad for the AFCON qualifiers, Okoye appeared set to miss Friday’s encounter.
Lateness to camp is not entirely uncharacteristic of Okoye. In June 2024, Okoye was the last player to arrive at camp for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa in Uyo. He was also criticised for arriving late during Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in November 2025.
Okoye has conceded 11 goals in five Serie A appearances for Udinese this season and is yet to keep a clean sheet. Since making his Nigeria debut against Brazil in October 2019, he has made 21 appearances for the Super Eagles, with a notable period of absence between 2022 and June 2024. Okoye's form and availability will be crucial in determining the team's goalkeeper for the upcoming matches.
Key points
- Okoye's late arrival to the Super Eagles camp has sparked criticism from fans and journalists.
- This is not the first time Okoye has been late to the team's camp, with previous instances in 2024 and 2025.
- Okoye's form and availability will be crucial in determining the team's goalkeeper for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
