Super Eagles: Real reason Maduka Okoye is not yet in camp ahead of Madagascar clash

Maduka Okoye is the only player yet to join the Super Eagles’ 24-man squad in camp ahead of Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Udinese goalkeeper’s absence, however, is not because he has ignored Eric Chelle’s invitation or been left out of the coach’s plans.

Okoye was given permission to attend to a club commitment before travelling to Nigeria. The goalkeeper was involved in Udinese’s presentation of their 2026/27 third kit during Milan Fashion Week on Tuesday, September 22. Udinese officially confirmed the event, which was part of the club’s celebrations for its 130th anniversary.

Information from the Super Eagles camp also confirms that Okoye has permission from the technical team. Team media officer Promise Efoghe told THISDAY that the goalkeeper would arrive on Thursday after being granted permission to attend to personal matters.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye models Udinese’s third kit for the 2026/27 season. 🇳🇬📸 pic.twitter.com/BC1Z3evQt1
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) September 22, 2026

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Photo by IMAGO

23 players already in camp

While Okoye was handling his Udinese commitment in Italy, Chelle worked with 23 players in Nigeria’s first training session on Tuesday evening.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali were the final three players to join the group before the session, taking the number in camp to 23.

Arthur Okonkwo and Nwabali are therefore the two goalkeepers currently available to Chelle, with Okoye expected to complete the three-man goalkeeping group when he arrives.

The other players in camp are Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Isaac James, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Tolu Arokodare, Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena.

Coach Eric Chelle and Moses Simon of Nigeria Super Eagles. Copyright: Imagoxshengolpixsx

Chelle’s first session was held at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with the coach beginning his tactical preparations for Madagascar.

Okoye’s arrival will give Chelle the complete 24-man squad he selected for the opening two AFCON qualifiers.

Madagascar clash comes next

Nigeria will face Madagascar on Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo in their opening Group L fixture. Kick-off is scheduled for 4pm Nigeria time.

The Super Eagles will then travel to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29 in their second qualifying match.

Group L has an unusual qualification situation because Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the three co-hosts. Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are therefore competing for the group’s available qualifying place.

That makes Nigeria’s opening game particularly important, especially with Victor Osimhen unavailable because of injury.

Chelle has now started his preparations with almost his entire squad, while Okoye’s expected arrival will finally give the coach all three goalkeepers selected for the Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau matches.