Maduka Okoye’s Super Eagles omission: Eric Chelle’s verdict

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained why Maduka Okoye was left out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Tanzania.

The Udinese goalkeeper was missing when Chelle named his 24-man squad for Friday’s match in Uyo and the return leg in Dar es Salaam on November 17.

Okoye’s omission follows a difficult start to the 2026-27 season in Italy and the controversy surrounding his late arrival at the Super Eagles camp during the September international break.

Chelle, however, insists the former Watford goalkeeper still has a place in his plans and can earn another call-up.

“Maduka Okoye is in the national team. I made the choice like the other players, the national team is not closed for him or them. I made my choice,” Chelle said during his press conference.

The Super Eagles coach also explained that his selection decisions are based on what players contribute both on and off the pitch.

“When I made my choice, it was on the pitch and around the pitch. We need to have a good position in the group. How do we feel in that group?

“What happened on the pitch and around the pitch, I made my choice with that. I have a tactical thinking and I tried to make the best choice,” he added.

September controversy puts Maduka Okoye under scrutiny

Okoye’s absence from the November squad comes after he attracted criticism for arriving late at the Super Eagles camp in September.

The 26-year-old had initially received permission to attend an Udinese event in Italy but stayed beyond the agreed period, missing most of Nigeria’s preparations for their opening AFCON qualifiers.

During his absence, pictures and videos emerged of the goalkeeper modelling Udinese’s new third kit alongside American rapper Cardi B at Milan Fashion Week. The images sparked criticism from Nigerian supporters, with many questioning his priorities.

Okoye eventually arrived in Abuja on Thursday, September 24, before travelling to Uyo on Friday morning, just hours before Nigeria faced Madagascar.

Stanley Nwabali started in goal as Nigeria secured a 2-1 victory, while Okoye watched from the bench. He was also an unused substitute in the subsequent 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.

Okoye struggles at Udinese

The goalkeeper has also had a difficult start to the season at club level, keeping just one clean sheet and conceding 25 goals in 11 Serie A appearances.

Last season, he was among the finest goalkeepers in the Italian Serie A and was subsequently linked with moves to Inter Milan and Juventus.

With Okoye out of Chelle’s plans for the two matches in November, the Franco-Malian tactician has opted for Nwabali, Arthur Okonkwo and Francis Uzoho for the Tanzania double-header.

However, the coach has made it clear that Okoye has not lost his place in the national team permanently. His performances at Udinese and his conduct around the Super Eagles camp could determine when he gets another opportunity.