Maduka Okoye’s Eagles future in jeopardy

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye faces an uncertain international future following his exclusion from Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tanzania, amid renewed concerns over his repeated late arrivals to national team camp.

The Udinese goalkeeper was overlooked by head coach Eric Chelle despite his experience and regular appearances in Italy’s Serie A, raising questions about his chances of reclaiming a place in the national team.

Okoye’s latest omission follows controversy surrounding his delayed arrival for Nigeria’s September international fixtures, when he reported to camp in Uyo on the morning of the opening qualifier against Madagascar.

He was the last player to join the squad, having missed the team’s preparations while attending Udinese’s third-kit presentation at Milan Fashion Week.

Although Chelle confirmed that he had granted the goalkeeper permission to attend the club engagement, he subsequently expressed displeasure over his late arrival.

The incident followed previous concerns about Okoye’s punctuality, including in June 2024, when he was among the last players to report ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

His continued absence from the latest squad has now raised fears that his international career could suffer another prolonged setback.

Former Super Eagles midfielder Victor Ikpeba has weighed in on the controversy, insisting that discipline and punctuality must remain fundamental requirements for representing Nigeria.

Speaking on SuperSport’s Monday Night Football, Ikpeba warned that players who arrive shortly before international matches should not expect automatic selection.

“Competitions bring the best from players. Discipline is very key. A player that comes a day before the match, people are still asking why he is not invited. I was there before, in the 90s, nobody comes a day to the match, you stay at home,” he said.

Sports broadcaster Olawale Adigun also backed Chelle’s decision to exclude Okoye, arguing that no player should take his national team position for granted.

“Nothing is assured with the national team. It was important for Eric Chelle to make a statement, and that was not calling him up, which I am supportive of,” Adigun said on the Social Plus Podcast.

He nevertheless described Okoye as Nigeria’s strongest goalkeeper in terms of club profile, pointing to his regular appearances in Serie A and impressive individual performances.

However, he maintained that the goalkeeper needed to demonstrate greater commitment to international duty.

Maduka Okoye had previously endured a lengthy absence from the Super Eagles between 2022 and June 2024 before returning to international contention.

He was also omitted from Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations but appeared to be rebuilding his international career following impressive performances against Poland and Portugal in June 2025.

The latest setback has interrupted that progress, although Chelle has not publicly confirmed that the current omission constitutes disciplinary action.

The Super Eagles coach has instead selected Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho and Arthur Okonkwo as his goalkeeping options for the Tanzania double-header.

Nigeria will host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Zanzibar for the return fixture on November 17.

The Super Eagles are second in Group L with three points from two matches and face mounting pressure to secure qualification for the continental tournament.