Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, pulled out the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe due to issues with his international passport, it has been revealed.
The passport issue would have affected his travel to Nigeria and also his identification for the World Cup qualifying games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
Okoye was initially listed in Jose Peserio’s 23 man squad but was replaced by Bendel Insurance goalie Amas Obasogie on Monday.
Speaking with journalists prior to Nigeria’s game against Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio stadium, Peserio said, the Udinese keeper had issues with his passport and had to resolve on time ahead of future international engagements.
“Maduka could not come because of the problem with his passport. That is why he is not here,” Peserio said.
“I have confidence in our goalkeepers. Of course in this moment Adebayo Adeleye could not come because he hasn’t played in Israel.
“We hope to have them back in the squad next month when we prepare for the AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) in Ivory Coast.”
Okoye made his debut for the Super Eagles coming on as a substitute in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Brazil in 2019.
The Udinese keeper has since made 16 appearances keeping eight clean sheets and conceding 11 goals.
He last featured in a competitive game for the Eagles in a round of 16 AFCON clash against Tunisia where he was beaten by a long range strike by Msakni.
Credit: punchng.com
