The Super Eagles coach says the Udinese goalkeeper remains in the national team picture, but behaviour on and off the pitch shaped his final selection.
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Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has defended his decision to leave Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye out of the squad for the Tanzania double-header, as FootballInNigeria.com.ng reports. He spoke at the pre-match press conference ahead of Friday’s Matchday 3 qualifier in Uyo.
“Maduka Okoye is still part of the national team, but I made my choice,” Chelle said. He added that the national team is not closed to Okoye or to any other player.
Chelle explained that his decision was based on what players do on and around the pitch. He said players need a good position in the group and must feel comfortable within it. New Bet9ja users can look up YOHAIG code on Bet9ja for new players.
Tactical thinking then guided his final choice, he said, and he picked what he believed was best for the team.
The goalkeepers in the squad are Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United, Francis Uzoho of Omonia in Cyprus and Arthur Okonkwo of Charlton Athletic, who is on loan from Arsenal. Uzoho returns after missing the September window.
Okoye has had a difficult season at Udinese, conceding 25 goals and keeping one clean sheet in 11 league games. At 27, he is still the only Nigerian goalkeeper playing regularly in one of Europe’s top five leagues. Readers curious about welcome offers can read this Bet9ja sign-up bonus overview.
Udinese team mate Daniele Padelli defended Okoye this week, saying the Nigerian has become a scapegoat for the club’s poor results. Udinese are next due to face Bologna.
Nigeria are second in Group L with three points, while Guinea-Bissau lead on seven. Friday’s game kicks off at 5:00pm WAT, and the return leg is on Tuesday, November 17, in Zanzibar.
The decision leaves Okoye with plenty to prove. Fans following the Super Eagles can also see the Bet9ja welcome bonus info.
Will the door reopen for him? Chelle’s message suggests it depends on more than saves.
📌 Did You Know?
- Reports said Okoye’s late arrival in camp before the Guinea-Bissau game had already put his place under threat.
- Uzoho’s last Super Eagles appearance before this recall came in March, when he replaced Okoye in the second half of a 2-2 friendly draw with Jordan.
- Chelle left Uzoho out of the squad for the September qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
- Chelle is 48 years old.
- Okoye was part of Chelle’s squad for the CAF World Cup play-off tournament in Morocco last November.
