By Sandra Kenneth
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has officially linked up with the national team at their Uyo camp ahead of Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Madagascar this Friday.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed his arrival on Friday via a post on the Super Eagles’ official X handle, featuring a photo of the Udinese shot-stopper alongside the caption, “Welcome, Maduka.”
Okoye’s arrival completes Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle’s 24-man squad, making him the final player to join camp after missing the team’s opening two training sessions.
His delayed arrival had drawn criticism online after the goalkeeper was spotted at Milan Fashion Week modeling Udinese’s new third kit and posing alongside American rap star Cardi B.
Defending the player’s timeline, Chelle clarified that the Italian Serie A club had requested Okoye remain in Italy temporarily to fulfill official promotional commitments before departing for international duty.
With Okoye now in camp, Chelle has a full complement of three goalkeepers to select from, including Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali and Wrexham’s Arthur Okonkwo.
The Super Eagles kick off their AFCON 2027 qualification campaign in a Group L fixture against Madagascar at 5:00 PM on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
