Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has stood by his decision to omit Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from the squad selected for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania.

Okoye's absence from the squad for the two-legged tie against the Taifa Stars drew considerable attention, with many questioning why the established shot-stopper was left out.

Chelle's selection reasoning

Speaking to journalists ahead of Matchday Three at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Chelle made clear that the exclusion was a matter of tactical judgment, not a permanent door closing on the goalkeeper.

"Maduka Okoye is still part of the national team, but I made my choice," Chelle said at the pre-match press conference. "The national team is not closed to him or to other players."

The Super Eagles coach elaborated on the criteria he applies when finalising his selections, pointing to both on-pitch performance and the dynamics a player brings within the squad environment.

"My choice was based on what you do on the pitch and around the pitch. You need to have a good position in the group. How do you feel in the group? How do you feel when you're in that group? Everything on and around the pitch matters. After that, I had my tactical thinking, and I made the best choice for the team."

Chelle's remarks suggest Okoye retains a future with the national side, but must demonstrate both form and the right attitude within the group setup to earn a recall.