Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has arrived in camp ahead of Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, September 25.
Okoye’s arrival completes his expected reporting to the squad after he was the only player initially absent from Nigeria’s preparations for the Group L qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
The Nigeria Football Federation had included the Udinese goalkeeper in head coach Éric Chelle’s 24-man squad for the opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Okoye joins Super Eagles ahead of Madagascar match
Nigeria’s preparations began earlier in the week with players arriving at the team’s camp in Akwa Ibom State.
By Tuesday, 20 players had reported for duty, with captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali among those subsequently joining the squad. Okoye remained the outstanding player at that stage.
The goalkeeper’s delayed arrival attracted attention because the Super Eagles were preparing for their first competitive fixture of the new AFCON qualifying campaign.
However, reports citing the team’s media officer said Okoye had been granted permission to attend to family and personal matters before joining the squad.
THISDAY reported that Promise Efoghe, the team’s media officer, confirmed that Okoye was expected to arrive before the Madagascar match.
Okoye has now joined the team as Nigeria prepares for the 5 p.m. kick-off in Uyo.
Nigeria begin 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign
The Madagascar fixture represents Nigeria’s first match in the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
According to the Nigeria Football Federation, Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second qualifying match against the Wild Dogs on September 29.
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has stressed the importance of collecting points early in the campaign.
The NFF reported that Chelle wants Nigeria to make a strong start rather than allow the qualification race to become difficult later in the campaign.
Okoye faces competition for the goalkeeper position
Okoye’s return to camp adds another option for Chelle as the coach considers his starting goalkeeper for the Madagascar encounter.
Stanley Nwabali is also part of the squad, while Arthur Okonkwo was included after his performances for Nigeria during the Unity Cup.
The three goalkeepers therefore provide Chelle with different options ahead of the opening qualifier.
Okoye has previously been an important part of the national team setup, although his international career has included periods away from the squad.
PUNCH reported that the 27-year-old had made 21 appearances for Nigeria since his international debut against Brazil in October 2019.
His recent performances had also brought him back into consideration for the national team. PUNCH reported that Okoye had impressed in Nigeria’s June matches against Poland and Portugal, strengthening his position in the competition for the goalkeeper role.
Osimhen absence changes Nigeria’s attacking options
Chelle’s preparations for the Madagascar match have also been affected by the absence of captain and striker Victor Osimhen.
The NFF initially included Osimhen in the 24-man squad but subsequently brought in Taiwo Awoniyi as his replacement after the Napoli forward was ruled out through injury.
Awoniyi is therefore among the attacking options available to Chelle as Nigeria begins its qualification campaign.
Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and other forwards are also part of the squad.
Super Eagles complete preparations in Uyo
Nigeria has been preparing in Akwa Ibom ahead of the opening fixture, with the squad holding training sessions at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Madagascar has also arrived in Uyo for the encounter. The Barea began their preparations after arriving in Nigeria earlier in the week.
Channels Television reported that the match is scheduled for 5 p.m. Nigerian time on Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
The encounter will mark the beginning of Nigeria’s latest attempt to secure qualification for the continental championship.
What happens next
With Okoye now in camp, Chelle has his goalkeeping options available as he finalises preparations for the Madagascar match.
Nigeria will face Guinea-Bissau four days after the Madagascar fixture, with the second qualifier scheduled for September 29.
The Super Eagles will therefore begin a demanding sequence of fixtures with two important qualifying matches before turning their attention to subsequent international commitments.
For Nigeria, the immediate objective is to start the AFCON 2027 qualification campaign with points at home.
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Sources
- Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) — squad announcement and AFCON 2027 qualifying schedule.
- Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) — Chelle’s comments ahead of the opening qualifiers.
- PUNCH — Okoye’s arrival in Super Eagles camp and background on his international career.
- THISDAY — Super Eagles camp update and information on Okoye’s delayed arrival.
- Channels Television — Nigeria vs Madagascar fixture details.
