Super Eagles: ‘So bad’ – Oliseh weighs in on Okoye’s AFCON 2025 snub

Sunday Oliseh has offered a clear defence of Maduka Okoye’s decision to stay away from the Super Eagles for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), insisting that goalkeepers must be handled differently from outfield players.

Speaking on his podcast, the former Nigeria captain stressed that uncertainty can be damaging for goalkeepers, especially those rebuilding confidence. “Goalkeepers are a different species,” Oliseh said. “You don’t manage them the same way you manage outfield players. They have to know in advance if they’re going to play.”

Oliseh referenced Okoye’s last AFCON appearance for Nigeria, when the goalkeeper was heavily criticised. “I remember the last (AFCON) game Okoye played for Nigeria, he was torn apart everywhere: online, on television, all over,” he recalled. “It got so bad that I said if he were my son, I’d tell him to stop playing.”

AFCON 2025 and the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping picture

Since returning from his suspension, the 26-year-old has started nine straight matches for Udinese and has re-established himself at club level. Oliseh believes leaving Italy during the season, without clarity over his role at AFCON, could undo that progress. “If he leaves, doesn’t play, and returns to find his replacement doing well, he could lose his place again,” Oliseh said. “That destroys a goalkeeper mentally.”

Okoye’s last outing for the Super Eagles came in a June 2025 friendly against Russia, which ended 1-1. Since then, Nigeria have played six matches without him featuring. In that period, Stanley Nwabali has emerged as the clear first choice.

Nwabali reaffirmed his status by starting the recent friendly against Egypt in Cairo, despite recovering from injury. With AFCON 2025 approaching, his position appears settled heading into Nigeria’s opening group game against Tanzania on Tuesday, December 23.

Oliseh explained why that clarity matters. “That’s why you must tell goalkeepers early: you are the number one,” he said. “We always worked with a clear first choice and an assistant. Even in training, the number one prepares differently. He is the focus.”