Maduka Okoye’s absence from Nigeria’s latest squad has become one of the talking points ahead of the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying double-header against Tanzania.
The Udinese goalkeeper was part of Éric Chelle’s previous selection and had featured in the September international window. His omission from the latest 24-man squad, however, raised questions about his standing in the national team.
With Nigeria preparing for Friday’s meeting with Tanzania in Uyo, Chelle has now offered an insight into the decision, making it clear that the goalkeeper has not been permanently shut out of the Super Eagles.
Speaking exclusively to Foot Africa, the coach explained that Okoye’s absence was a selection decision rather than an indication that the door had been closed on him.
“About the case of Maduka Okoye, Maduka Okoye is in the national team. So I made the choice like the other player. The national team is not closed for him and for them. So I made my choice.”
READ MORE: Chelle sends clear message to Super Eagles ahead of Tanzania showdown
Chelle’s explanation also offered a glimpse into the broader considerations behind his selections, suggesting that his assessment of players extends beyond what they deliver during matches.
“When I make a choice, it’s on the pitch and around the pitch. You need to have a good position in the group. You know, how do you feel in that group? How do you feel when you are in that group?”
He added: “So everything, everything, what happens on the pitch and around the pitch, and I do my choice with that. So after, I have a tactical thinking and I try after to make my best choice.”
The comments suggest that Chelle considers a player’s overall contribution and place within the squad when making decisions, alongside tactical requirements. However, he did not identify any specific incident or disciplinary issue involving Okoye as the reason for his omission.
Okoye’s previous late arrival attracts attention
The goalkeeper’s absence comes after an episode during the September international window when he joined the Super Eagles camp in Uyo later than the other invited players.
Okoye arrived on September 25, the day before Nigeria’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifier against Madagascar. His late arrival attracted attention because he had been involved in an Udinese club activity in Milan before travelling to join the national team.
Chelle subsequently explained that he had permitted the goalkeeper to attend to club commitments before reporting to camp.
The incident has since resurfaced in discussions about Okoye’s latest omission, although Chelle did not directly link the two situations during his interview with Foot Africa.
Three goalkeepers selected for Tanzania fixtures
For the November double header, Chelle has selected Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho and Arthur Okonkwo as his three goalkeeping options.
Uzoho returns to the squad, while Okonkwo retains his place alongside Nwabali, who has been a regular presence in Nigeria’s recent selections.
Nigeria host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before travelling for the return fixture in Zanzibar on Tuesday, November 17.
The Super Eagles need maximum points from the two encounters to strengthen their position in Group L, where Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar and Nigeria are competing for the available qualification place behind automatic qualifiers Tanzania.
Pingback: Tolu Arokodare addresses Super Eagles challenge despite flying start at Ajax - The Athletic NG