Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has arrived in camp in Uyo ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Udinese goalkeeper was the last member of the squad to report to camp after 23 players arrived on Monday and took part in the team’s first training session.
Okoye’s absence attracted attention after footage surfaced on social media on Wednesday showing the 27-year-old with American rapper Cardi B at Milan Fashion Week, where he also modelled Udinese’s third kit.
The footage sparked criticism among some Nigerian fans and journalists, with questions raised about why the goalkeeper had yet to join his international teammates.
It was not the first time Okoye had been seen with Cardi B, as the pair were also spotted together at Paris Fashion Week during the summer.
Journalist Samuel Areo questioned the communication surrounding the goalkeeper’s delayed arrival, while other social media users criticised what they described as Okoye’s repeated lateness to Super Eagles camp.
“Like I said in my previous tweet, the communication gap will always be a problem and it’s not the first time. If they’ve not seen him or others, people will always ask questions,” Areo posted on X.
On-Air Personality Buchi Onakola also criticised the timing of Okoye’s public appearance, saying players should be focused on national-team preparations close to important qualifying matches.
A fan, Leye Mabeoruoraye, meanwhile, called on the Nigeria Football Federation to address the issue, alleging that Okoye had previously reported late to camp.
Okoye’s return to the national team has been notable after he was left out of Nigeria’s squad for the last Africa Cup of Nations and lost his place as first-choice goalkeeper following a period away from the team between 2022 and June 2024.
He appeared to regain the confidence of head coach Eric Chelle during the previous international windows, particularly after impressive performances against Poland and Portugal in June.
However, with Stanley Nwabali now back in the squad and Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo also included, Okoye faces competition for the starting position.
Nwabali and Okoye have considerably more international experience than Okonkwo, who would make his competitive debut for Nigeria if selected.
Okoye has also been criticised for previous late arrivals at Super Eagles camp. In June 2024, he was reportedly the last player to arrive ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.
He was similarly criticised over his arrival during Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in November 2025.
Despite his delayed arrival this time, Okoye is now available for selection as Nigeria prepare for their opening qualifier against Madagascar on Friday before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau.
At club level, Okoye has conceded 11 goals in five Serie A appearances for Udinese this season and is yet to keep a clean sheet.
The goalkeeper made his Nigeria debut against Brazil in October 2019 and has since made 21 appearances for the Super Eagles.
