Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has finally linked up with the Super Eagles in Uyo ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Okoye was the last player to arrive in camp, bringing the number of players available for Friday’s encounter to 24.
The former Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper did not participate in Nigeria’s final training session on Thursday evening, making it unlikely that he will be named in the starting lineup against Madagascar.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle confirmed that Okoye had been granted permission to attend an event supported by Udinese, which explained his late arrival in camp.
The Malian tactician has been assessing Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations star Stanley Nwabali since Tuesday, with the latter increasingly likely to get the nod against the Barea.
Okoye played the full 90 minutes in Nigeria’s last two fixtures against Poland and Portugal but has not featured in a competitive match for the three-time African champions since November 2024, when he started against Rwanda in an Afcon qualifier.
The 27-year-old has started all of Udinese’s Serie A matches this season, conceding 11 goals.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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