Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is the only player out of the 24 invited to camp who is yet to join the rest of his teammates, Soccernet.ng reports.
Okoye served as the first choice throughout the period that Stanley Nwabali was sidelined. He delivered brilliant displays against Poland and Portugal in June, appearing to have earned coach Eric Chelle’s trust. The general consensus was that he would continue between the sticks for Nigeria, bolstered by his consistent performances for Serie A club Udinese.
Consequently, he was included in the 24-man squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
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Because most Nigerian players ply their trade abroad and several featured in matches on Sunday, the squad was expected to report to camp by Monday or Tuesday at the latest.
Super Eagles first training session. 23 players in camp #AFCONQualifiers pic.twitter.com/XcBX2CFp3q
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) September 22, 2026
However, while 23 players had reported by Tuesday evening and participated in the opening training session in Ikot-Ekpene under Chelle’s guidance, Okoye remained absent.
Nwabali and Okonkwo in training
Okoye is still not in Super Eagles camp. Two keepers for now.#AFCON2027Q pic.twitter.com/IqdECoR8Ky— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) September 22, 2026
On Wednesday morning, footage of the 27-year-old shot-stopper surfaced on social media, showing him in conversation with American rapper Cardi B.
The video has sparked intense criticism from Nigerian fans and journalists across social media platforms.
Cardi B Spotted with Maduka Okoye in Milan last Night pic.twitter.com/qS5o8VHRAV
— HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) September 23, 2026
Maduka Okoye and Cardi B
This is not the first time Okoye has been spotted with Cardi B. The goalkeeper and the rap star were seen together multiple times over the summer.
On most of those occasions, they were seen deep in conversation or sharing dinner, fueling speculation that the two might be in a romantic relationship. As of now, nothing has been confirmed.
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In this latest sighting, Okoye appeared engrossed in conversation with Cardi B, even sharing a laugh.
The sighting on Tuesday night appears to explain why he has failed to report to camp while his international teammates have already commenced preparations for Friday’s clash against Madagascar.
Okoye’s Loss, Nwabali’s Gain
With the Udinese goalkeeper yet to link up with the squad, he looks certain to miss the encounter against Madagascar on Friday.
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Lateness to camp is not entirely uncharacteristic of Okoye, though this marks the first instance where the apparent reason for his delay has played out so publicly.
As things stand, Nwabali is set to reclaim his spot in goal for the Super Eagles on Friday, eager to stake his claim and prove he still possesses the quality to hold down the number-one shirt for Nigeria.
Nwabali offers far more international experience than Arthur Okonkwo, who would be stepping into his first competitive outing for Nigeria. For now, coach Chelle will feel confident in his keeping options.
