Sunday Oliseh Defends Maduka Okoye’s AFCON 2025 Snub

Former Super Eagles captain argues goalkeepers need special handling and starting assurances.

Oliseh Backs Okoye Amid Patriotism Debate

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has come to the defense of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye following his omission from Nigeria‘s final 28-man squad for AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

Speaking on his Global Football Show, the 1994 AFCON winner emphasized that goalkeepers are “a different species” and require unique management compared to outfield players.

“The way you manage the goalkeeper is not the way you manage players. Goalkeepers must know in advance whether they will play or not,” Oliseh said.

Okoye, who plays for Udinese in Serie A, was in the preliminary 54-man list but reportedly opted out after not receiving guarantees of a starting role. Nigeria’s goalkeeping spots went to Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho, and Amas Obasogie.

Oliseh recalled the intense backlash Okoye faced after his last Super Eagles appearance: “The last game he played for Nigeria, this boy was torn into bits online, television, everywhere. He was so destroyed that if he were my son, I’d tell him to stop playing.”

The ex-midfielder argued Okoye has rebuilt his confidence at Udinese and risks losing his club spot during the European season without playing time at AFCON.

Attending without guarantees could “destroy this man” if a replacement performs well in his absence, Oliseh warned.

He dismissed accusations of unpatriotism: “People are not slaves or to be used. We’ve seen patriotic people who have even died, and they refused to bury them.”

As the Super Eagles prepare for the tournament starting December 21, the debate highlights ongoing challenges in managing player commitments and mental health in international football.