Maduka Okoye has arrived in Uyo ahead of Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Madagascar on Friday.

The Udinese goalkeeper landed in Uyo on Friday morning, according to Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe, bringing Éric Chelle’s 24-man squad together for the qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Okoye’s late arrival had attracted attention during the build-up to the opening Group L fixture, but Chelle said on Thursday that the goalkeeper had been given permission to report to camp later than the other players.

His arrival comes on matchday, with Nigeria due to face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Despite joining the squad on the morning of the game, Okoye is not expected to feature against the Barea.

The Super Eagles have been preparing in Uyo throughout the week as Chelle works to finalise his plans for the opening qualifier.

Nigeria will then travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau next Tuesday, making Friday’s match the first of two qualifiers in a short turnaround.

The completion of the squad gives Chelle his full group to work with as Nigeria begin their bid to reach the 2027 AFCON finals.