Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying fixture against Madagascar on Friday.

 The Udinese goalkeeper’s arrival completes Nigeria’s 24-man squad for the opening double-header of the qualifying campaign after he became the only invited player yet to report to camp as his teammates began preparations earlier in the week.

 Okoye landed in Nigeria on Thursday before travelling to the Super Eagles’ base in Uyo, arriving just a day before the crucial Group L encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

 His arrival ends several days of uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts and availability for the opening qualifier.

 Okoye Completes Super Eagles Squad

 Okoye was one of three goalkeepers selected by head coach Éric Chelle for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, alongside Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo.

 While 23 players had already reported to camp and participated in the team’s first full training session, Okoye remained the only absentee.

 Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and Nwabali were among the final players to join the squad earlier in the week, allowing Chelle to work with virtually his entire group.

 Okoye’s continued absence attracted attention because of its proximity to Friday’s fixture, but his arrival means Chelle now has all three selected goalkeepers available as he finalises his plans for the Madagascar game.

 Chelle Explains Okoye’s Late Arrival

 Chelle has explained that Okoye was granted permission to attend to family and personal matters before linking up with the national team.

 The explanation is consistent with an earlier statement from the Super Eagles’ media team, which confirmed that the goalkeeper was expected to arrive on Thursday after receiving permission to deal with personal and family commitments.

 With the issue of his delayed arrival now resolved, attention will turn to Okoye’s readiness and whether Chelle considers him sufficiently prepared to feature against Madagascar.

 Nigeria will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday in their opening Group L fixture of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.