Ex-Watford and Sparta Rotterdam star joins Iheanacho to swell Super Eagles camp to 22 ahead of AFCON 2025 qualifiers

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has become the latest addition to the Super Eagles camp, bringing the total number of players to 22 ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.

Okoye, who arrived on Wednesday afternoon, has continued his impressive form from last season into the new Serie A campaign and will be a great addition to the Nigerian national team.

His performances have been instrumental in helping Udinese remain unbeaten in their first three league matches, securing two wins and a draw.

The Italian side now sits atop the Serie A standings with seven points, sharing the top spot with Inter Milan, Juventus, and Torino.

Joining the former Watford and Sparta Rotterdam goalie in the Super Eagles camp is Sevilla striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who arrived earlier on Wednesday morning.

Iheanacho’s arrival provides interim coach Austin Eguavoen with additional tactical options as the team gears up for their matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

Okoye’s presence also offers Eguavoen an alternative to first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Nigeria will kick off their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign against Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Saturday, September 7, before facing Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, September 10.

Training sessions commenced on Tuesday evening with 20 players under the guidance of Eguavoen and his assistants, Fidelis Ilechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede.

The Super Eagles are determined to start their AFCON 2025 qualifiers with a strong performance, aiming to bounce back from a recent dip in form that has seen them win just once in their last five matches.

Only Victor Osimhen, delayed by his protracted move to Galatasaray, is being awaited at the Super Eagles camp.