Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has finally broken his silence to set the record straight regarding goalkeeper Maduka Okoye’s surprisingly delayed arrival at the national team’s training camp in Uyo.
The Udinese shot-stopper was the absolute last player to touch down and check into the squad’s hotel ahead of Nigeria’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Madagascar on Friday. Okoye had initially been granted official permission by the team management to delay his arrival in order to attend to pressing personal and family matters. However, fan speculation and public curiosity reached a fever pitch after the 25-year-old goalkeeper was allegedly spotted out in Milan, Italy, alongside global American hip-hop star Cardi B just days before he was scheduled to join his national teammates on the pitch.
The viral photos and social media chatter immediately raised eyebrows among football fans across the country, with many questioning his commitment to the national setup on the eve of such a vital competitive fixture.
Addressing the media directly during a pre-match press conference to clear up the growing controversy, Coach Eric Chelle downplayed the off-field distractions and offered a direct explanation regarding the official line from the coaching staff.
“I can tell you the truth. He was supposed to come [earlier], but he had to do some things for his club. I will manage the situation and make my decision,” Chelle stated firmly to reporters.
Despite the head coach’s attempt to quell the drama, Okoye’s late arrival meant that he missed critical tactical and physical training sessions held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. His absence from those initial practice runs leaves significant uncertainty hanging over the starting lineup.
It now remains to be seen whether Coach Chelle will still trust the Udinese goalkeeper to take his place between the posts for Nigeria’s clash against Madagascar, or if the missed training sessions will force the technical crew to bench Okoye in favor of an alternative option in goal.
