Former Super Eagles and Juventus midfielder Sunday Oliseh has defended goalkeeper Maduka Okoye following his omission from Nigeria’s final 28-man squad for AFCON 2025.
Okoye, currently with Udinese, had been included in the initial 54-man preliminary list released by coach Eric Chelle, just before captain William Troost-Ekong announced his international retirement. With reports suggesting fitness concerns for Stanley Nwabali, Okoye appeared poised to reclaim the starting spot for the Morocco tournament.
However, the final squad featured several high-profile absences. Reports indicate that Okoye opted out after being told he would not be guaranteed the starting role, sparking debates over his dedication to the national team.
Speaking on the Sunday Oliseh Global Football Show, Oliseh insisted the criticism of Okoye is unfair, emphasizing the unique pressures faced by goalkeepers.
“The goalkeeper, they are a different race. The goalkeeper is a totally different species. The way you manage a goalkeeper is not how you manage other players. They must know in advance whether they will play or not,” Oliseh said.
He recalled the harsh scrutiny Okoye endured after previous appearances for Nigeria:
“The last game he played, I remember this boy being torn apart online, on television, everywhere. He was so much destroyed that I thought, if this boy were my son, I would tell him to stop playing. Just go and make your life again.”
Oliseh also highlighted the risks Okoye faces by joining the national team mid-season. “Coming to play AFCON while the league is still ongoing in Europe could cost him his place at Udinese. If he comes and doesn’t play, it could destroy him again,” he said.
Emphasizing the specialised nature of goalkeeping, Oliseh added: “We always have a number one and a backup. Even in training, the number one trains differently. That’s why I understand if he said, ‘I’m not coming.’ People are not slaves to be used.”
Despite the AFCON buzz, Okoye has remained focused on club duties, recently helping Udinese secure a 1-0 win over Napoli on December 14.
