Football: Maduka Okoye aiming for Super Eagles number 1 jersey after making stunning performance against Russia
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Okoye stars for Nigeria in Moscow
After a disappointing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations campaign and a tough spell in the Premier League with Watford, Maduka Okoye has now found a home with Udinese and seems to have rediscovered his best form.
Following a loan stint in the Netherlands with Sparta Rotterdam, I Bianconeri splashed out €6m to bring the Super Eagles’ shot-stopper to the Serie A, where he helped his new employers secure a solid mid-table finish last season.
While finishing 12th may not seem like a massive achievement, it did represent some much-needed stability for the Italian outfit, who have endured a turbulent few years behind the scenes, with the club being put up for sale, which has led to the loss of several key players.
Okoye’s impressive form for the Zebra’s earned him a recall to the Nigeria national team for their recent friendly against Russia, and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands, producing an excellent performance in Moscow earlier this month.
The 25-year-old was beaten by an own-goal by Semi Ajayi in the 27th minute, but he was a brick wall in the second half of the match, delivering three crucial saves, including a point-blank intervention to earn his side a draw result.
Barring injuries or any unforeseen setbacks, Okoye is expected to feature for the Super Eagles in their CAF World Cup qualifiers in September, when they have two huge games against Rwanda and group leaders South Africa.
Okoye set to challenge Nwabali for Nigeria starting role
Following Okoye’s excellent performance against Russia, fans from across Nigeria took to social media to heap praise on the Udinese shot-stopper, with many suggesting that he should replace current Super Eagles’ number one, Stanley Nwabali, in the national team.
Nwabali featured for Nigeria during their Unity Cup triumph in London while Okoye was left on the bench. However, following his most recent performance, Okoye revealed that he is looking forward to challenging the Chippa United keeper for the number one jersey. He said:
"Of course, we know what Nwabali has done for our country. He's a very good goalkeeper and I think he deserves it because I never got to the level I have with the Super Eagles. I really hope that I get to my level and he deserves to play right now. But I think there are always going to be some chances and opportunities and I just have to be ready when they're coming."
Okoye also took the opportunity to settle lingering rumours that he had distanced himself from the Nigerian national team ahead of AFCON 2023, saying: "This is not true. I never pulled out. I just didn't get called up."
While Nwabali, who currently plays for PSL outfit Chippa United in South Africa, is certainly not out of the picture, there is widespread expectation that Chelle and co are expected to leverage Okoye’s European experience for the foreseeable future.
