Maduka Okoye is the only player yet to join the Super Eagles camp ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar, Footynaija reports.
The Udinese goalkeeper, however, is not late to camp and has not been dropped from Eric Chelle’s plans.
Okoye was given permission by the Super Eagles technical team to attend Udinese’s third-kit unveiling in Milan before travelling to Nigeria. The event took place on Tuesday, September 22, during Milan Fashion Week, with Okoye among the Udinese players involved in the presentation of the club’s new 2026/27 kit.
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Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed that Okoye is expected to arrive in camp on Thursday after receiving permission for the club commitment.
His absence means Chelle currently has two goalkeepers available in Uyo, Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo.
The other 21 players have also reported, taking the number of players in camp to 23 ahead of the opening AFCON 2027 qualifier.
Nigeria held their first training session at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday, with Chelle beginning preparations for Madagascar.
The Super Eagles will face Madagascar on Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm Nigerian time.
The match is Nigeria’s opening Group L fixture in the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign. Chelle’s team will then travel to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
Okoye’s expected arrival on Thursday will complete Nigeria’s 24-man squad for the two qualifiers and give Chelle all three goalkeepers named in his squad.
The goalkeeper’s absence from the first training session is therefore linked to his approved Udinese commitment, rather than any issue with his Super Eagles call-up.
