Okoye handed late call-up ahead Nigeria vs. Saudi Arabia friendly
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been handed a late call-up to the Super Eagles squad ahead of Friday’s international friendly against Saudi Arabia at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão.
Okoye has not played for the Super Eagles for more than twenty months with his last appearance coming in a round of 16 clash against Tunisia at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in January 2022.
The German-born glovesman was a non-playing substitute the last time the Super Eagles visited Portugal for a friendly, against the Seleção das Quinas in November 2022.
Goalkeepers Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem) and Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba) have not yet reported for international duty which has sparked questions over their availability for the two friendlies with Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.
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It is unlikely Israeli-based Adeleye would be permitted to travel to Portugal to join his international teammates for reasons everyone is aware of.
Okoye is match rusty heading into the October internationals as he has been inactive for club and country for 277 days.
The 24-year-old has not played competitively for his clubs since he started for Watford against Reading in the FA Cup on January 7, 2023.
Uzoho is also out of favor at Omonia Nicosia and has not played a single game for the Cypriot side in the new season.