Maduka Okoye Arrives Super Eagles Camp Ahead of Madagascar AFCON Clash
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has arrived in camp in Uyo ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 AFCON qualifier against Madagascar after missing the team’s opening training sessions.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has finally arrived in Nigeria’s camp in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash with Madagascar.
The Udinese goalkeeper was the last member of Nigeria’s 24-man squad to report for duty, joining the team after missing its first training sessions as head coach Éric Chelle intensified preparations for the opening Group L fixture.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed Okoye’s arrival on Friday through the Super Eagles’ official social media channels, posting a photograph of the goalkeeper with the message, “Welcome, Maduka.” (Vanguard News)
His arrival completes Chelle’s goalkeeping options, with Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo already in camp.
Okoye Was Last Player to Arrive
The Super Eagles camp opened earlier in the week, with the majority of the invited players arriving in time for the team's first training session.
By Tuesday, 23 players were available to Chelle, with Okoye the only member of the squad still expected to join the group. The team subsequently continued preparations for the Madagascar encounter while waiting for the Udinese goalkeeper.
Chelle had previously explained that Udinese requested permission for Okoye to remain in Italy temporarily to attend to activities involving the Serie A club.
The coach said he would manage the situation and make the necessary decisions concerning the goalkeeper's availability for the opening qualifier. (The Sun Nigeria)
However, Okoye’s absence attracted considerable attention in Nigeria after he was seen at Milan Fashion Week while his international teammates were already preparing for the important AFCON qualifier.
Reports showed the goalkeeper representing Udinese and modelling the club’s third kit during the event. He was also photographed with American rapper Cardi B, generating significant discussion and criticism on social media. (Punch Newspapers)
Arrival Comes on Matchday
Okoye’s arrival comes extremely close to the Madagascar fixture.
Nigeria is scheduled to face Madagascar on Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, in the Super Eagles’ first match of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Reports indicate that Okoye missed the team’s opening training sessions, meaning Chelle must assess his readiness before deciding whether to include him in the matchday plans. Soccernet reported that his late arrival makes it unlikely that he would immediately be considered for the starting position, although the final decision rests with the coach. (Soccernet.ng)
The goalkeeper now faces competition from Nwabali and Okonkwo for a place between the posts.
Competition for the Goalkeeper’s Shirt
Nwabali remains a significant option for Chelle. The Chippa United goalkeeper was Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco, where the Super Eagles won the bronze medal.
His return to the national team provides Chelle with an experienced option ahead of the opening qualifiers.
Okonkwo, meanwhile, has also emerged as a goalkeeper competing for the position after impressing during Nigeria’s Unity Cup campaign.
Okoye brings his own international experience. The Udinese goalkeeper started Nigeria’s June friendly matches against Poland and Portugal, playing the full 90 minutes in the 2-2 draw with Poland and the 2-1 defeat to Portugal.
Chelle therefore has three recognised options as Nigeria begins its latest attempt to qualify for the continental championship.
Important AFCON Qualifying Campaign
The Madagascar match carries added significance because of the structure of Group L.
Nigeria, Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau make up the group, but Tanzania are among the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON and are automatically qualified for the tournament.
Consequently, the remaining teams are competing for the available qualifying place from the group, increasing the importance of every fixture.
Following the Madagascar game in Uyo, Nigeria will travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
The Super Eagles will also have to navigate the opening fixtures without their star striker Victor Osimhen, who is unavailable because of injury. Taiwo Awoniyi was recalled as part of the attacking options, alongside Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and George Ilenikhena.
Chelle Wants Strong Start
Chelle has expressed confidence ahead of Nigeria’s opening qualifier, saying the team is prepared to make a strong statement as the new qualifying campaign begins.
The coach and his players have therefore been working to establish a positive start despite the late arrival of some squad members and the absence of key players.
For Okoye, the immediate priority will be settling back into the national-team environment and competing for his place.
His arrival means the Super Eagles now have their full complement of three invited goalkeepers. Whether he starts against Madagascar, however, remains a decision for Chelle after assessing the goalkeeper's condition and readiness.
For Nigeria, the bigger objective is securing a positive result in Uyo and beginning the road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on a strong footing.
The Madagascar encounter will provide the first competitive test of Chelle’s latest Super Eagles squad, while Okoye’s return adds another option to the goalkeeper position as Nigeria begins its qualification campaign.