Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has linked up with the Super Eagles squad in Uyo ahead of Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Madagascar.
The national team confirmed his arrival on Friday through a post on its official account that included a photograph of the shot-stopper and the simple message “Welcome, Maduka.” Okoye was the final member of the 24-man squad to report to camp, joining his teammates at their base in Akwa Ibom State on the morning of the fixture.
The match is scheduled for 5 p.m. local time at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Coach Éric Chelle had granted Okoye permission to delay his arrival so he could fulfil club commitments with Udinese in Italy.
The goalkeeper missed the team’s earlier training sessions during the week while the rest of the squad prepared for the Group L encounter. His presence now gives Chelle the full complement of three goalkeepers—Okoye, Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo—available for selection.
Nigeria begins its qualifying campaign for the 2027 tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Because Tanzania qualifies automatically as a host, only the highest-placed side among Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will advance from the group.
The Super Eagles will face Madagascar first before travelling for their second qualifier against Guinea-Bissau later in the window. With the full squad assembled, the team completes final preparations for the home opener.
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