Peseiro reveals exactly why Maduka Okoye pulled out of Super Eagles squad, Adeleye was not invited 

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on the eve of his side's 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho, manager Jose Peseiro revealed exactly why Udinese glovesman Maduka Okoye  pulled out of the Super Eagles squad for the November internationals and also defended his decision not to invite Hapoel Jerusalem star Adebayo Adeleye.

Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, who was not included on the original roster despite his impressive form in the domestic championship, was called in as a replacement for Okoye.

The Portuguese football tactician has two other goalkeepers at his disposal for Thursday's game against Lesotho, with Omonia Nicosia's Francis Uzoho and Enyimba's Olorunleke Ojo also challenging for a starting berth. 

Okoye has not figured for the national team since January 23, 2022, against Tunisia at the Africa Cup of Nations, though he attended the last two training camps in Portugal. 

The German-born player was unable to travel to Nigeria for the World Cup qualifiers due to a passport issue, while Israeli-based Adeleye wasn't considered because he has been inactive at club level since September. 

"I have confidence in our goalkeepers. Of course in this moment Adeleye could not come because he didn't play now in Israel. Maduka could not come because of the problem with his passport," Peseiro said at the pre-match press conference monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com.

"Uzoho was our goalkeeper in qualification. He only didn't play one match, it was Adeleye that played against Sierra Leone. Now there's Ojo and Amas. I believe in our goalkeepers, I believe in Uzoho also."

If the Super Eagles' two training sessions in Uyo are anything to go by, everything is pointing to the fact that Uzoho should make his 12th start under Peseiro on Thursday. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com