Oliseh Explains Okoye AFCON Snub

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has spoken on Maduka Okoye’s absence from Nigeria’s 28-man AFCON 2025 squad, amid criticism of the Udinese goalkeeper. Okoye was named in Eric Chelle’s 54-man list, released before William Troost-Ekong’s retirement, and was expected to challenge for the number one spot following Stanley Nwabali’s injury concerns. However, Okoye was missing from the final squad, with reports claiming he opted out after not being assured of a starting role.

Addressing the situation on his Global Football Show, Oliseh said goalkeepers are treated differently, noting, “The goalkeeper… is a totally different species… Goalkeepers must know in advance whether they will play or not.” He recalled Okoye’s last appearance for Nigeria, saying the keeper “was torn into bits online… television, everywhere,” adding, “If this boy were my son… go and stop playing.”

Oliseh argued that Okoye has rebuilt his career at Udinese and risked losing his place by attending AFCON without guarantees. “If truly, he said, I'm not coming, I can understand it,” he said, dismissing claims of unpatriotism. Okoye has since impressed for Udinese, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Napoli.