Nigeria's senior men's national team head coach Eric Chelle has explained his decision to leave Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania.

Okoye’s omission from the 24-man squad has attracted attention, particularly after his late arrival at the Super Eagles camp during the September international window and his difficult start to the 2026/27 season with Udinese.

Chelle, however, insists the decision does not mean the goalkeeper has been permanently excluded from his plans.

Speaking ahead of Friday’s first-leg encounter with Tanzania in Uyo, the Franco-Malian coach said his selection decisions are based on what he sees from players both during matches and within the wider team environment.

“Maduka Okoye is in the national team. I made the choice like the other players; the national team is not closed for him or them. I made my choice,” Chelle said.

The Super Eagles coach further explained that group dynamics formed part of his assessment before settling on his goalkeeping options for the Tanzania fixtures.

“When I made my choice, it was on the pitch and around the pitch. We need to have a good position in the group. How do we feel in that group?”

“What happened on the pitch and around the pitch, I made my choice with that. I have a tactical thinking and I tried to make the best choice,” he added.

Okoye was part of Nigeria’s squad during the previous international window but arrived late after receiving permission to attend club-related activities in Italy. Chelle had earlier confirmed that he agreed to Udinese’s request for the goalkeeper to attend to those commitments. 

The goalkeeper has also endured a challenging campaign with Udinese, with reports indicating that he has kept only one clean sheet while conceding 25 goals in 11 league appearances. 

For the Tanzania double-header, Chelle opted for Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho and Arthur Okonkwo as his three goalkeeping options. Uzoho returns to the squad after missing the previous international window. 

Chelle’s comments suggest that Okoye’s international future remains open, but the Udinese goalkeeper will have to convince the coach through his performances and overall contribution to the team.

Nigeria host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday before travelling for the return fixture on November 17.