Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained why Maduka Okoye arrived late at Nigeria’s training camp in Uyo.
Nigeria are preparing for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar on Friday, September 25. Okoye was the final player to join the squad ahead of the opening Group L fixture.
Chelle addresses Maduka Okoye Camp Controversy
The Udinese goalkeeper missed the Super Eagles’ first training session after the camp opened on Sunday. Twenty three players arrived on Monday and took part in training.
However, footage of the 27 year old appeared on social media on Wednesday morning. The video showed Okoye with American rapper Cardi B at Milan Fashion Week.
Okoye also modelled Udinese’s third kit during the event. His appearance in Milan drew criticism from some Nigerian fans and journalists on social media.
Chelle was asked about the situation during a press conference ahead of Friday’s qualifier. The coach explained that Okoye had club commitments before joining the national team.
“I can tell you the truth. He was supposed to come [earlier], but he had to do some things for his club.
“I will manage the situation and make my decision, he concluded.”
The coach now has to decide whether Okoye will feature against Madagascar after his late arrival in camp.
Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The match will start at 5pm Nigerian time on Friday.
The Super Eagles will then travel to Guinea Bissau for their second Group L qualifier on September 29.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained why Maduka Okoye arrived late at Nigeria’s training camp in Uyo.
Nigeria are preparing for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar on Friday, September 25. Okoye was the final player to join the squad ahead of the opening Group L fixture.
Chelle addresses Maduka Okoye Camp Controversy
The Udinese goalkeeper missed the Super Eagles’ first training session after the camp opened on Sunday. Twenty three players arrived on Monday and took part in training.
However, footage of the 27 year old appeared on social media on Wednesday morning. The video showed Okoye with American rapper Cardi B at Milan Fashion Week.
Okoye also modelled Udinese’s third kit during the event. His appearance in Milan drew criticism from some Nigerian fans and journalists on social media.
Chelle was asked about the situation during a press conference ahead of Friday’s qualifier. The coach explained that Okoye had club commitments before joining the national team.
“I can tell you the truth. He was supposed to come [earlier], but he had to do some things for his club.
“I will manage the situation and make my decision, he concluded.”
The coach now has to decide whether Okoye will feature against Madagascar after his late arrival in camp.
Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The match will start at 5pm Nigerian time on Friday.
The Super Eagles will then travel to Guinea Bissau for their second Group L qualifier on September 29.
