Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has hinted at taking disciplinary action against Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye ahead of their opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. He recently had his say while speaking to the press, and fans have been reacting.
Reacting to questions about the real reason for Okoye’s absence, Chelle revealed that he still does not know what disciplinary action he would take once Maduka arrives.
Admitting that Udinese took permission for the goalkeeper to undergo club-related activities, the manager added that Maduka should be in camp by now.
His words, “I can tell you the truth. His club (Udinese) asked to allow him do some club related activities and I agreed, he was supposed to come before then but he is not here and I will manage the situation but I have to make some decisions. We will see.”
Éric Sékou Chelle is a football manager and former player who played for the Malian national team, and currently serves as head coach of the Nigeria national football team and mainly played as a centre-back.
Born in Ivory Coast to a French father and a Malian mother, he made five appearances for the Mali national team.
Chelle was born in the Ivory Coast to a French father and Malian mother, and was raised in France. He holds Malian, French and Ivorian citizenship. He spent his whole career in France, appearing for Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais. At international level, he represented Mali.
In December 2025–January 2026, he led Nigeria to a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. In June 2026, he had his contract renewed and was given the job of the Olympic Eagles, Nigeria’s under-23 side.
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