Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has finally joined the team’s 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 Eric Chelle’s squad to arrive after the Super Eagles opened camp on Sunday. Twenty-three players reported on Monday and took part in the team’s first training session, with Okoye the only notable absentee.
His delayed arrival attracted attention after footage emerged on social media showing the 27-year-old in Milan during Fashion Week, where he was seen speaking with American rapper Cardi B. Okoye also featured as a model for Udinese’s third kit during the event.
The footage generated criticism among some Nigerian fans and journalists, particularly with the Super Eagles preparing for their opening qualifier against Madagascar.
Okoye has previously been pictured with Cardi B at Paris Fashion Week, making the latest sighting a subject of further discussion among supporters.
Journalist Samuel Areo questioned the communication surrounding the goalkeeper’s absence, while some commentators criticised what they described as another instance of Okoye arriving late for international duty.
“Like I said in my previous tweet, the communication gap will always be a problem and it’s not the first time,” Areo said, adding that questions would naturally arise whenever players were not seen in camp without clear information.
Okoye’s late arrival has also revived previous concerns about his timing during international windows. In June 2024, he was reportedly the last player to arrive in camp ahead of Nigeria’s ill-fated 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.
He was also criticised over his arrival during preparations for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in November 2025.
The goalkeeper, however, had appeared to be rebuilding his position in the Super Eagles setup after returning to the fold. He was handed opportunities against Poland and Portugal in June and produced impressive performances, seemingly earning Chelle’s confidence.
His absence from the opening days of the current camp, combined with Stanley Nwabali’s return to the squad, had raised doubts about whether Okoye would feature against Madagascar before he eventually reported for duty.
Chelle now has three goalkeeping options in camp, with Nwabali and Okoye possessing significantly more international experience than Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who is yet to make his competitive debut for Nigeria.
Okoye has made five Serie A appearances for Udinese this season, conceding 11 goals without keeping a clean sheet.
Since making his Super Eagles debut against Brazil in October 2019, the 27-year-old has earned 21 international appearances. His international career was interrupted by a lengthy absence between 2022 and June 2024.
With the AFCON qualifiers now approaching, Chelle faces a decision over who will start in goal as Nigeria begin their campaign against Madagascar before facing Guinea-Bissau.
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