Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has revealed that Udinese requested one of Nigeria’s invited players to remain with the Italian club for some activities ahead of the team’s Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifiers.
Chelle, speaking at a press conference, said the player was expected to join the national team camp but is yet to arrive.
“His club Udinese asked me to let him make some activities for the club. He was supposed to come but is not here,” Chelle said.
The coach added that he would assess the situation and make the necessary decisions ahead of the qualifiers.
“I will manage the situation because I have to take some decisions,” he added.
Okoye was the only member of Nigeria’s 24-man squad yet to arrive in camp as the team intensified preparations in Uyo.
Nigeria will open their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The Super Eagles will then travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L fixture on Tuesday, September 29. The fixtures were confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation in Chelle’s squad announcement.
With Okoye unavailable for the early stages of preparations, Chelle has been working with the two other goalkeepers in the squad: Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo.
Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United in South Africa, returns to the national team setup after missing Nigeria’s recent international assignments, while Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Okonkwo is also pushing for a starting role following his impressive performances during the Unity Cup.
The NFF’s 24-man squad for the qualifiers includes Okonkwo, Okoye and Nwabali as the three goalkeepers.
Okoye’s delayed arrival therefore leaves Chelle with an immediate decision to make in goal ahead of Friday’s opening qualifier.
Vanguard News
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