Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle has dropped goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from the matchday squad for today’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
The Udinese shot stopper arrived the camp of the team early this morning, and after talks with Chelle a decision to drop him from the squad for today’s game was reached.
We can exclusively reveal that Charlton goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo will be the deputy to Stanley Nwabali, who will be making his first appearance for the team since the AFCON in February.
Chelle took the decision to serve as a warning to other players that late coming to camp won’t be tolerated, especially for crucial games.
Okoye was granted permission to skip a day training, but ended up missing the entire training in the build up to the game, much to the annoyance of Chelle who made it clear during the pre match presser that he is going to make a decision on the player’s misdemeanour.
“I can tell you the truth. His club (Udinese ) asked to allow him do some club related activities and I agreed, he was supposed to come before then but he is not here and I will manage the situation but I have to make some decisions. We will see”, a visibly angry Chelle said.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
