Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained that Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is yet to join Nigeria’s camp after the Italian club asked him to remain in Italy for some activities.
Chelle disclosed this while speaking at a press conference ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
“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.
The coach added that he would assess the situation and take the necessary decision ahead of Nigeria’s opening qualifier.
“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 continue preparations in Uyo.
Nigeria will begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday, 25 September, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The Super Eagles will then travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L fixture on Tuesday, 29 September.
With Okoye yet to join the squad, Chelle has been working with the other two goalkeepers, Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo.
Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United in South Africa, returns to the national team after missing Nigeria’s recent international assignments, while Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Okonkwo is also competing for the starting position following his performances during the Unity Cup.
The NFF’s 24-man squad for the qualifiers includes Okonkwo, Okoye and Nwabali as the three goalkeepers.
Chelle will now monitor Okoye’s situation as Nigeria prepare for the start of their qualification campaign.
