Maduka Okoye remains in Nigeria plans despite AFCON 2027 omission, says Eric Chelle

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle says Maduka Okoye remains part of his plans despite dropping the Udinese goalkeeper for the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2027 qualifying double-header against Tanzania.

Chelle selected Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo for the matches in Uyo and Zanzibar, leaving out Okoye, who featured for Nigeria in their June friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

Explaining his decision before the first match, Chelle said it had been made after considering events “on the pitch and around it”. He also insisted that the choice did not mean the door had been closed on the 27-year-old.

“I made my choice,” Chelle said, in comments reported by Pulse Nigeria.

Okoye has endured a difficult season with Udinese. He has conceded 25 goals in 11 Serie A appearances and kept only one clean sheet.

The goalkeeper’s form has also prompted public support from a team-mate, who defended him after Udinese’s defeat by Venezia.

Chelle’s decision means Okoye will not be involved in the current international window, but the Nigeria manager made clear that he is still monitoring the goalkeeper.

The wording of Chelle’s response suggested Okoye remains part of the wider group available for selection and could earn a return through his performances. However, the coach’s reference to what happens both during matches and away from the pitch indicates that form is not the only factor being considered.

Okoye’s route back to the squad will depend on improving his record with Udinese, particularly the number of goals conceded, while also ensuring there are no further concerns outside matches.

There is also strong competition for the position. Nwabali has increased his claim for the number one shirt after keeping a clean sheet, while Uzoho and Okonkwo remain available alternatives for Chelle.

With the three selected goalkeepers travelling to Zanzibar for Tuesday’s return leg, Okoye’s immediate opportunity to respond will come when Serie A resumes after the international break.

Every strong performance and clean sheet produced by Uzoho, Nwabali or Okonkwo during this window could make it more difficult for Okoye to regain his place. However, Chelle has said the Udinese goalkeeper has not been discarded and remains under consideration for Nigeria.