After playing no part in the recently concluded Unity Cup tournament in England Udinese shot stopper Maduka Okoye will be in goal for the senior national team of Nigeria against Russia on Friday, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
Okoye was benched in the games against Ghana and Jamaica respectively for regular first choice Stanley Nwabali, but it was something he was aware of after conversion with head coach Eric Chelle.
Chelle explained to Okoye why he prefers Nwabali the be in goal for both games at the Unity Cup, assuring Okoye that he will play from the start against Russia at the Luzhniki stadium.
Another player who is set for a start is Gefate midfielder Chrisantus Uche who played the final 20 minutes of the win over Jamaica, and scored the decisive spot kick during shoot outs.
He arrived late to the camp of the team, hence the decision not to start him against Jamaica but after holding talks with Chelle and also tendering his apology for the drama that led to his late arrival, the coach has decided to hand him a start.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
