Chelle says Okoye remains in Nigeria plans despite Tanzania omission

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has rejected suggestions that Maduka Okoye has been pushed out of the Nigeria set-up after leaving the Udinese goalkeeper out of the squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania.

Okoye was the most notable absentee from the squad selected for the two matches against the Taifa Stars.

Speaking before Friday’s Matchday Three fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Chelle said Okoye remained part of his plans and that the decision was based solely on selection.

“Maduka Okoye is still part of the national team, but I made my choice,” Chelle said at his pre-match news conference.

“The national team is not closed to him or to other players.

“My choice was based on what you do on the pitch and around the pitch. You need to have a good position in the group. How do you feel in the group? How do you feel when you’re in that group? Everything on and around the pitch matters.

“After that, I had my tactical thinking, and I made the best choice for the team.”

Chelle’s comments came as Nigeria prepared to host Tanzania in the first of the two qualifiers.

The Super Eagles manager also stressed that places in the national team depend not only on performances during matches but also on how players fit within the wider group.