By our reporter 30.3.2026
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye who is hoping to re-establish himself as Super Eagles number 1 has been ruled out Tuesday’s international friendly between Nigeria and Jordan.
Okoye who returned to the Super Eagles after almost a two of absence suffered a thigh injury during training and may not participate in the game against Jordan in Antalya Turkey. He had a good outing in the first match against Iran last weekend, though he was hardly tested in the game the Super Eagles won 2-1.
Okoye missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations despite being in good form for his Italian Club Udinese. Reports hinted that he skipped the AFCON because, he didn’t understand why he would be sitting on the bench for Stanley Nwabali.
Okoye was first choice keeper at the 2021 AFCON, but a horrendous mistake made fans to turn on him. Before that he was a poster boy for the Super Eagles.
Meanwhile Francis Uzoho is prepared to step in against Jordan, while Adebayo Adeleye will wait in the wings for any chance to play.
Moreso Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is likely to hand starting spots to some of the players who did not play the first game against Iran.
Debutants Emmanuel Fernandez and Chibuike Nwaiwu could earn their first starts or significant minutes.
As Nigeria closes out the March international window, the match against Jordan offers Chelle an opportunity to test squad depth while maintaining the team’s impressive unbeaten run ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
Maduka Okoye...