Eric Chelle Breaks Silence on Maduka Okoye’s Absence From Super Eagles Squad
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained why Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was left out of Nigeria’s 24-man squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Tanzania.
Okoye was part of Chelle’s previous squad and featured during the September international window. However, his absence from the latest selection raised questions about his future in the national team.
Speaking to Foot Africa, Chelle clarified that Okoye has not been permanently dropped from the Super Eagles, insisting that his absence was simply a selection decision.
“About the case of Maduka Okoye, Maduka Okoye is in the national team. So I made the choice like the other player. The national team is not closed for him and for them. So I made my choice,” Chelle said.
The coach also explained that he considers a player’s attitude and contribution both on and off the pitch before making his selections.
“When I make a choice, it’s on the pitch and around the pitch. You need to have a good position in the group. You know, how do you feel in that group? How do you feel when you are in that group?” he added.
Chelle further explained that his decisions are based on several factors, including team dynamics and tactical plans.
“So everything, everything, what happens on the pitch and around the pitch, and I do my choice with that. So after, I have a tactical thinking and I try after to make my best choice,” he said.
Okoye’s absence comes after he arrived late at the Super Eagles camp in Uyo during the September international window. The goalkeeper joined the team on September 25, a day before Nigeria’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifier against Madagascar, after attending a club activity in Milan.
Chelle had earlier explained that he gave Okoye permission to attend to his club commitments before joining the national team.
For the November matches against Tanzania, Chelle has invited Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho and Arthur Okonkwo as his three goalkeepers.
Nigeria will host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Zanzibar for the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17.
