Super Eagles goalie Maduka Okoye is the latest player to arrive at the Super Eagles camp in Uyo ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles camp commenced on Sunday with 23 players arriving Monday and taking part in the team’s first training session with the Udinese custodian the only absentee, writes The PUNCH.
But footage emerged on social media yesterday morning showing the 27-year-old conversing with American rapper Cardi B at Milan Fashion Week where he also modelled Udinese’s third kit.
The video was condemned on social media by Nigerian fans and journalists.
It wasn’t the first time Okoye has been seen out with Cardi B, with the custodian previously sighted with the musician at Paris Fashion Week during the summer. SportsNews
The Tuesday nite sighting seemed to be the reason why Okoye had not yet reported to camp, with his international teammates already prepared for Friday’s showdown against Madagascar.
Despite his obvious club commitments, there was no formal word from the Super Eagles on when he was anticipated to arrive until he finally turned up at camp.
Journalist Samuel Areo challenged the communication gap while others blasted Okoye for what they termed as chronic lateness to camp.
As I indicated in my earlier tweet, the communication gap will always be an issue and it is not the first time. “If they haven’t seen him or others, people will always ask questions,” Areo posted on X.
“I don’t want to overreact but if you are not in camp with less than 42 hours to go to important qualifying matches for your country you should not be seen in public places.” It is a great disrespect to the other players that are in camp,” said On-Air Personality Buchi Onakola.
A fan, Leye Mabeoruoraye, also called on the Nigeria Football Federation to do anything about it. Football
“Even if the video is not recent, Maduka has always been coming late to Super Eagles camp. I hope the NFF puts an end to this. “Our players don’t respect international breaks unlike their European colleagues,” he posted.
Okoye was dropped from the last AFCON and has not been first choice since having a hiatus from the team in 2022 but he seemed to be getting back the position after Stanley Nwabali was dropped from the squad in March and June.
Okoye impressed against Poland and Portugal in June and appears to have earned the faith of coach Eric Chelle.
Okoye looked ready to miss Friday’s clash having first lost the Udinese shot-stopper, with Nwabali returning to the squad for the AFCON qualifiers, but he eventually made it to the squad. Football.
Okoye being late to camp isn’t totally out of character.
Okoye was the last player to arrive camp in June 2024 for the ill-fated 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa in Uyo. Nigeria drew 1-1 with South Africa before losing 2-1 to Benin Republic in Ivory Coast.
He was also chastised for being late during preparations for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in November 2025 for Nigeria.
Okoye had a brief stint as first-choice custodian in March and June while Nwabali was out, but with Nwabali back and Wrexham custodian Arthur Okonkwo still in the squad, it is unclear who Chelle will select between the posts.
Nwabali and Okoye have much more international experience than Okonkwo, who would be making his competitive debut for Nigeria if he gets to play. Sports news
Interestingly, Okoye arrived in camp earlier when he appeared to be the preferred choice in the previous international windows.
Okoye has conceded 11 times in his five Serie A games for Udinese this season and has failed to keep a clean sheet.
He earned his Nigeria debut in a game against Brazil in October 2019 and has featured 21 times for the Super Eagles but was absent from the squad between 2022 and June 2024.
About the Author
