Chelle Explains Why He Dropped Okoye For Tanzania Clashes
Insists Udinese Goalkeeper Remains In His Plans, Says Selection Depends On On-Pitch And Off-Pitch Contributions
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained why he left Maduka Okoye out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania, insisting the Udinese goalkeeper remains part of his plans.
Okoye’s omission has attracted attention amid questions about his recent performances for Udinese and his commitment to the national team, particularly following his late arrival at the Super Eagles camp during the September international break.
However, Chelle stressed that the former Watford goalkeeper has not been shut out of the national team, describing his latest decision as a selection choice rather than a permanent exclusion.
‘Maduka Okoye is in the national team. I made the choice like the other players. The national team is not closed for him or them. I made my choice,’ Chelle said at his press conference.
The Malian tactician explained that his selection decisions go beyond performances during matches, with players’ contributions away from the pitch, group dynamics and tactical considerations also influencing his choices.
‘When I made my choice, it was on the pitch and around the pitch. We need to have a good position in the group. How do we feel in that group?
‘What happened on the pitch and around the pitch, I made my choice with that. I have a tactical thinking and I tried to make the best choice,’ he added.
Okoye has also endured a difficult start to the 2026/27 Serie A campaign with Udinese, keeping just one clean sheet and conceding 25 goals in 11 league appearances.
Nigeria face Tanzania in their latest international engagements as Chelle continues his preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
