By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has explained goalkeeper Maduka Okoye’s absence from the team’s camp ahead of Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar, Prompt News Online reports.
Okoye is the only player from Chelle’s 24-man squad for the qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau who is yet to join the team.
His absence had generated questions ahead of the crucial encounter, but Chelle revealed that the Udinese goalkeeper was given permission to remain with his club to handle some club-related matters.
“His club asked me to allow him to take care of some club-related activities, and I agreed. Now, I have to manage the situation,” Chelle said during Thursday’s press conference in Uyo.
With Okoye not available for the match, the coach is expected to select either Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali or Charlton Athletic’s Arthur Okonkwo to man the posts.
The Super Eagles will face Corentin Martins’ Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday. Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time.
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