Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained the absence of Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from Nigeria’s camp ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Okoye was not part of the squad as preparations continued for Nigeria’s opening Group C qualifier against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday.
Chelle said Okoye’s absence was the result of an arrangement with his Italian club, Udinese, rather than an injury.
“Maduka Okoye is not here. His club asked me to allow him to do some club-related activities and I agreed,” Chelle said.
“He isn’t here now, so I have to manage the situation.”
The coach’s explanation suggests that Okoye remains available for selection, but has been granted permission to stay away from the national team camp temporarily to attend to matters with his club.
Chelle will now rely on the other goalkeeping options in camp as the Super Eagles prepare for the qualifiers, with Nigeria also scheduled to face Guinea-Bissau in the second fixture of the double-header.
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