Maduka Okoye Joins Super Eagles Ahead of AFCON Qualifiers

Udinese of Italy goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has arrived at the Super Eagles' camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. According to Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe, Okoye landed in Uyo on Friday morning.

At 25 years old, his arrival means that head coach Éric Chelle now has all 24 invited players at his disposal. Okoye's absence prior to his arrival had raised questions regarding the team's preparation for the qualifiers.

During a media interaction on Thursday, head coach Éric Chelle defended Okoye, stating that he had granted him permission to arrive at camp late. Despite his arrival, Okoye is expected to sit out the matchday one encounter against Madagascar, scheduled for Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.