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Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has come into the spotlight after she was spotted with American rapper Cardi B in Milan while her international teammates were already on the pitch preparing for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Madagascar.
Okoye was among 24 players invited by coach Éric Chelle for Nigeria’s September qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, but remained the only invited player still to report to camp on Wednesday. The Super Eagles had already started training in Uyo ahead of Friday’s match with Madagascar.
Okoye is yet to join the Super Eagles camp
The Udinese goalkeeper’s absence attracted a lot of attention as Chelle had included him in the squad following his impressive performances for Nigeria in the latest international friendlies. Project reports
Okoye featured in the Super Eagles’ June friendlies against Poland and Portugal and produced a number of important saves, putting himself firmly in contention for the starting goalkeeper position for the first AFCON qualifiers.
However, as the rest of the team began arriving at the camp, Okoye stayed away. On Tuesday evening, 23 players had taken part in the team’s first training session, leaving Okoye as the only outstanding member of the 24-man squad.
Goalkeeper spotted with Cardi B
The situation took another turn on Wednesday when footage circulated on social media showing the 27-year-old goalkeeper from Milan in conversation with Cardi B.
The sighting came shortly after Okoye was also reported to have attended Milan Fashion Week, where Udinese was represented and the goalkeeper was involved in activities linked to the Italian club.
The footage of Okoye and Cardi B quickly sparked reactions among Nigerian fans, especially since the goalkeeper was yet to join the national team.
Reports have linked the two personalities on several occasions in recent months, after they were photographed together at several events. However, neither Okoye nor Cardi B have publicly confirmed the nature of their relationship, making it important to distinguish confirmed sightings from speculation circulating online.
Nwabali, Okonkwo already at camp
While Okoye’s late arrival has attracted attention, Chelle is not without options in goal.
Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo are already at the camp and have participated in the team’s preparations for the clash in Madagascar.
Nwabali was recalled to the squad after missing some of the team’s recent activity, while Okonkwo received his first senior call-up to the Super Eagles under Chelle. CAF have confirmed that Okonkwo, along with Isaac James and George Ilenikhena, have received their first senior invitations to the September qualifiers.
Nwabali remains one of Nigeria’s most experienced goalkeeping options, having established himself as the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper over the past two years, while Okonkwo represents a younger alternative who is looking to make his mark at senior international level.
Okoye faces a race against time
With Nigeria scheduled to face Madagascar on Friday, Okoye will now face a race against time if he is to be considered for the opening qualifiers.
The Super Eagles are already working to a tight schedule, with their first training session completed and the team preparing for their match with Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Nigeria will then travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second qualifier on September 29, meaning the team has little time between the two matches.
Whether Okoye will arrive in time to train sufficiently with the team and compete for selection will ultimately be determined by Chelle and the coaching crew.
The Super Eagles begin their AFCON qualifying campaign
Nigeria’s opening match against Madagascar marks the start of the Super Eagles’ campaign for a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The September qualifiers take on added importance because Tanzania, being one of the three host nations, automatically qualifies. Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau therefore compete for the available qualifying place in Group L together with the hosts.
As a result, Chelle will be looking for maximum concentration from her players as the Super Eagles begin preparations for what is expected to be a competitive qualifying campaign.
The manager has already had to alter his plans following Victor Osimhen’s withdrawal through injury, with Taiwo Awoniyi brought into the squad as his replacement.
With Osimhen unavailable and Okoye’s participation still uncertain, attention will now turn to the players available to Chelle as Nigeria prepare for Friday’s match.
For Okoye, the immediate issue is to join his teammates and re-enter the competitive environment of the national team as Nigeria begins their quest to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
