Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained why goalkeeper Maduka Okoye arrived late at the team’s training camp in Uyo ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.
Okoye joined the squad on Thursday after receiving permission to delay his arrival over personal and family matters.
The Udinese goalkeeper was the last player to report to camp as Nigeria prepared for Friday’s qualifier.
Addressing the issue, Chelle said Okoye had initially been expected to arrive earlier but needed to attend to matters involving his club.
“I can tell you the truth. He was supposed to come [earlier], but he had to do some things for his club,” Chelle told reporters.
The coach said he would assess the situation before deciding Okoye’s role against Madagascar.
“I will manage the situation and make my decision,” he said.
Okoye’s late arrival means he missed some of the Super Eagles’ training sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Before joining the squad, the goalkeeper was spotted with American rapper Cardi B in Milan, Italy.
It remains unclear whether Okoye will start in goal when Nigeria face Madagascar in Uyo.
You Might Also Like
