"Why I Missed 2025 AFCON" — Super Eagles Goalkeeper Okoye Explains

"Why I Missed 2025 AFCON" — Super Eagles Goalkeeper Okoye Explains 

By Niyi Busari 

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has explained why he declined an invitation to represent Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, despite the team’s eventual third-place finish, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Speaking in an interview with German publication Kicker, the Udinese shot-stopper said his decision was influenced by concerns over fitness, form, and timing following a prolonged absence from competitive football.

Okoye revealed that he had been sidelined for approximately two months due to a betting-related suspension and felt it was necessary to prioritise his return to full match fitness at club level.

“Since I was not Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, I believed it was better to remain at Udinese, work on my form, and also show appreciation to the club for standing by me during a difficult period,” he said.

The 24-year-old also raised broader concerns about the scheduling of the AFCON tournament, noting that its placement within the European club calendar often forces players to make difficult professional decisions.

Okoye has since returned to the Super Eagles squad ahead of an international friendly tournament in Turkey. Nigeria are scheduled to face Iran on Friday before taking on Jordan in their next fixture on Tuesday.

Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to hand Okoye playing time during the friendlies as part of preparations for upcoming international competitions.