Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye remains the only player yet to arrive in camp among the 24 players invited for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, New Telegraph reports.

Okoye stepped up as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper while Stanley Nwabali was sidelined, producing impressive performances against Poland and Portugal in June.

His displays appeared to strengthen his standing with head coach Eric Chelle, while his consistent form for Serie A side Udinese further supported expectations that he would retain the starting role for the Super Eagles.

The 27-year-old was subsequently named in Nigeria’s 24-man squad for the AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

With most of the squad based outside Nigeria and several players having featured for their clubs on Sunday, the expectation was that everyone would report to camp by Monday or, at the latest, Tuesday.

By Tuesday evening, however, 23 players had arrived and taken part in the opening training session in Ikot-Ekpene under Chelle, with Okoye the notable absentee.

Then, on Wednesday morning, footage emerged on social media showing the Udinese goalkeeper in conversation with American rapper Cardi B.

The video quickly drew criticism from Nigerian fans and journalists across social media, with much of the reaction centred on Okoye’s absence from the national team camp.

Maduka Okoye And Cardi B: Another Public Sighting

This is not the first time Maduka Okoye has been seen with Cardi B, as the Super Eagles goalkeeper and the American rapper have reportedly crossed paths several times over the summer.

On several occasions, the pair were seen engaged in conversation or having dinner together, prompting speculation about the nature of their relationship.

However, neither has publicly confirmed that they are romantically involved. In the latest footage, Okoye appeared relaxed as he spoke with Cardi B, with the two also seen sharing a laugh.

The Tuesday night sighting has since raised further questions about the goalkeeper’s delayed arrival in camp, coming as his international teammates had already begun preparations for Friday’s AFCON qualifying clash against Madagascar.

Okoye’s Absence Opens The Door For Nwabali

With Okoye yet to join the Super Eagles squad, the Udinese goalkeeper now appears set to miss Friday’s encounter against Madagascar.

Late arrivals have not been entirely unusual for Okoye, although this latest delay has attracted considerably more attention because of the circumstances surrounding his absence and the public sighting with Cardi B.

Should Okoye miss the game, Stanley Nwabali is expected to return between the posts for the Super Eagles, giving the Chippa United goalkeeper another opportunity to demonstrate his credentials and compete for Nigeria’s number-one position.

Nwabali also brings considerably more international experience than Arthur Okonkwo, who would be making his first competitive appearance for Nigeria if selected.

For Chelle, the situation leaves him with multiple goalkeeping options ahead of the crucial qualifier. (New Telegraph)