Okoye faces backlash over habitual Eagles late arrival

Maduka Okoye. Credit: Imago

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is the last player to report to the Super Eagles camp in Uyo ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Super Eagles camp opened on Sunday, with 23 players arriving on Monday and taking part in the team’s first training session, with the Udinese goalkeeper the only absentee.

However, footage of the 27-year-old surfaced on social media on Wednesday morning, showing him talking with American rapper Cardi B at Milan Fashion Week, where he also modelled Udinese’s third kit.

The video sparked criticism from Nigerian fans and journalists on social media.

This wasn’t the first time Okoye had been spotted with Cardi B; the goalkeeper and the rapper were also seen together at Paris Fashion Week during the summer.

The sighting on Tuesday night appeared to explain why Okoye had yet to report to camp, with his international teammates already preparing for Friday’s clash against Madagascar.

Regardless of his apparent club commitments, there was no official communication from the Super Eagles regarding his expected arrival time until he eventually reported to camp.

Journalist Samuel Areo questioned the communication gap, while others criticised Okoye for what they described as habitual lateness to camp.

“Like I said in my previous tweet, the communication gap will always be a problem and it’s not the first time. If they’ve not seen him or others, people will always ask questions,” Areo posted on X.

“I don’t want to overreact, but even if you’re 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’s a big insult to the other players that are in camp,” On-Air Personality Buchi Onakola said.

A fan, Leye Mabeoruoraye, also urged the Nigeria Football Federation to act on the issue.

“Maduka has always been coming late to Super Eagles camp, even if the video isn’t recent. I hope the NFF stops this. Our players don’t respect international breaks unlike their European fellows,” he posted.

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Although Okoye was left out of the last AFCON and has not been the first choice since taking a break from the team in 2022, he appeared to be reclaiming the position when Stanley Nwabali was left out of the squad in March and June.

Okoye delivered impressive displays against Poland and Portugal in June, seemingly earning the trust of coach Eric Chelle.

With the Udinese goalkeeper initially absent and Nwabali back in the squad for the AFCON qualifiers, Okoye appeared set to miss Friday’s encounter before eventually joining the team.

Lateness to camp is not entirely uncharacteristic of Okoye.

In June 2024, Okoye was the last player to arrive at camp 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 criticised for arriving late during Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers in November 2025.

Okoye enjoyed a brief spell as the first-choice goalkeeper during Nwabali’s absence in March and June, but with Nwabali now back and Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo also in the squad, it remains to be seen who Chelle will select in goal.

Nwabali and Okoye offer considerably more international experience than Okonkwo, who would be making his competitive debut for Nigeria if selected.

Interestingly, Okoye arrived in camp earlier when he seemed to be the first choice in the previous international windows.

Okoye has conceded 11 goals in five Serie A appearances for Udinese this season and is yet to keep a clean sheet.

Since making his Nigeria debut against Brazil in October 2019, he has made 21 appearances for the Super Eagles, with a notable period of absence between 2022 and June 2024.