Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, arrived in Uyo on Friday morning, just hours before Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener against Madagascar, ending days of uncertainty over his delayed return to camp.
The Udinese player landed in Akwa Ibom aboard Ibom Air, having been the only member of Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad yet to report by Tuesday, when the other 23 players were already in camp. The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed his arrival in a brief social media post that read, “Welcome, Maduka.”
Okoye’s absence had attracted heavy criticism from Nigerian fans through the week. Pictures had surfaced on Wednesday showing him in Italy alongside American rapper Cardi B at Milan Fashion Week, where he modelled Udinese’s new third kit.
It was his second such appearance with the rapper in recent months, having also been pictured with her during Paris Fashion Week in August.
Chelle addressed the delay at Thursday’s pre-match press conference, explaining that Okoye’s club had sought permission for him to fulfil the engagement.
“His club, Udinese, asked me to let him make some activities for the club. He was supposed to come but is not here,” Chelle said.
“I will manage the situation because I have to take some decisions. We will see.”
Having missed every training session between Tuesday and Thursday, Okoye did not make the matchday squad. Chelle instead restored Stanley Nwabali, who returned from a hiatus since January, as his first-choice goalkeeper for the qualifier, with Charlton Athletic’s Arthur Okonkwo as back-up.
Nwabali started as Nigeria came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1, with George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scoring second-half goals either side of the interval after Ehsan Khari had given the visitors an early lead.
The Super Eagles next face Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on Tuesday, September 29, when Okoye’s place in the squad will again come under scrutiny after his late start to camp.