Chelle says Okoye remains in Nigeria plans despite Tanzania omission

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle says Maduka Okoye remains part of his Nigeria plans despite leaving the Udinese goalkeeper out of the squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania.

Okoye’s omission follows increasing criticism of his performances for club and country, with concerns raised over his form for Udinese and his commitment to the national team.

The former Watford goalkeeper was also criticised by Nigerian football supporters after reporting late to the Super Eagles camp during the September international break.

Chelle said his decision was based on a combination of performances on and off the pitch, while stressing that Okoye’s exclusion from the latest squad did not represent a permanent decision.

“Maduka Okoye is in the national team. I made the choice like the other players, the national team is not closed for him or them. I made my choice,” Chelle said at his press conference.

The Nigeria head coach explained that he had also considered the players’ contribution to the group, the team’s internal dynamics and his tactical plans when selecting the squad.

“When I made my choice, it was on the pitch and around the pitch. We need to have a good position in the group. How do we feel in that group?

“What happened on the pitch and around the pitch, I made my choice with that. I have a tactical thinking and I tried to make the best choice,” he added.

Okoye has had a challenging start to the 2026-27 campaign with Udinese. He has made 11 league appearances, keeping one clean sheet and conceding 25 goals.

The goalkeeper’s current form has increased scrutiny of his position with Nigeria, although Chelle’s comments indicate that he could still be considered for future international selections.

The coach’s decision comes as Nigeria prepare for the two matches against Tanzania in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Chelle emphasising that his latest selection reflects his assessment of the squad at this stage rather than the end of Okoye’s international career.