Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has revealed that goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was given official clearance to attend to club matters before joining the national team camp in Uyo, where Nigeria prepare for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.

Okoye remains the sole absentee from the 24-man squad Chelle assembled for back-to-back qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. His delayed arrival had fuelled speculation, but Chelle moved quickly to put those rumours to rest.

Chelle backs Okoye's absence

Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Uyo on Thursday, Chelle confirmed that the Udinese shot-stopper's club had requested he be allowed to fulfil certain obligations before travelling.