Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has come under criticism after becoming the last player to report to Nigeria’s camp in Uyo ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The team’s camp opened on Sunday, with 23 players arriving the following day and participating in the first training session. Okoye was the only player yet to join the group.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper was later seen in footage circulating online speaking with American rapper Cardi B at Milan Fashion Week, where he also modelled Udinese’s third kit.
The appearance generated reactions from Nigerian fans and journalists, with some questioning why Okoye had not yet reported to camp. He had previously been seen with Cardi B at Paris Fashion Week during the summer.
Journalist Samuel Areo criticised what he described as a communication gap between the player and the national team, while On-Air Personality Buchi Onakola questioned Okoye’s decision to appear publicly so close to an important international fixture.
A football fan, Leye Mabeoruoraye, also called on the Nigeria Football Federation to address what he described as Okoye’s repeated late arrivals to camp.
Okoye has previously faced similar criticism. In June 2024, he was the final player to arrive ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic. Nigeria drew 1-1 with South Africa before losing 2-1 to Benin Republic in Ivory Coast.
He was also criticised over a late arrival during preparations for Nigeria’s 2025 AFCON qualifiers in November 2025.
Although Okoye was excluded from Nigeria’s last AFCON squad and had not been the first-choice goalkeeper since stepping away from the national team in 2022, he appeared to move back into contention after Stanley Nwabali was left out of the squad in March and June.
Okoye impressed against Poland and Portugal in June, performances that appeared to strengthen his position under coach Eric Chelle.
With Nwabali now back in the squad and Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo also included, the goalkeeping selection for Friday’s match remains open.
Okoye has made five Serie A appearances for Udinese this season, conceding 11 goals without recording a clean sheet.
Since making his Super Eagles debut against Brazil in October 2019, Okoye has earned 21 international caps, with a significant absence from the team between 2022 and June 2024.
Source: PUNCH
