SCORENigeria has learnt that the debate is raging over the inclusion of Udinese No 1 goalkeeper Maduka Okoye on the Super Eagles final squad list for must-win 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Okoye has not played since December 7 after he underwent a hand surgery, but his return date was put at this week.
His situation was further compounded after it was reported that he is being investigated for betting.
In his favour is that he is the highest profiled Nigerian goalkeeper currently after he helped his Serie A club to escape relegation last season and he was named on the 39-man provisional squad for the two crucial World Cup ties.
The inconsistency of Super Eagles No 1 Stanley Nwabali has also made a case for his inclusion.
A source told only SCORENigeria: “It’s really left to be seen now whether Maduka (Okoye) will make the final cut because he has not been active for several months as well as the controversy surrounding him back in Italy.
“The question now is who should be the cover for Nwabali – Adeleye or Amas Obasogie – should he be left out?
“He was initially overlooked but the dodgy form of Nwabali has got the coach having a rethink.”
The Super Eagles fly out to Rwanda on March 21, before they welcome Zimbabwe four days later in decisive World Cup qualifiers after they failed to win their first four games.
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