Maduka Okoye Nigeria decision explained as goalkeeper shares pride, career highlights, and plans ahead with Udinese and Super Eagles

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has explained why he chose to represent Nigeria instead of Germany at international level, citing family influence and a strong connection to his heritage.

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Speaking in an interview with SportyTV, Okoye reflected on his career in Italy, where he is now in his third season with Serie A club Udinese. He described his experience as positive, expressing comfort and happiness at the club.

“I’m fine, thank you. No, it’s treating me very, very good. I’m very happy here. It’s my third season already and, yeah, having a great time here,” Okoye said.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper also acknowledged the support of Nigerian fans, from his early days in Germany with Fortuna Düsseldorf to his stints at Sparta Rotterdam and Udinese.

“Yeah, a lot, a lot. It means a lot that Nigerians always support you… They support always from back home, and it means a lot. I’m very grateful and thankful,” he said.

Okoye highlighted his ambition to continually improve and help his club finish as high as possible in the Serie A standings.

On his international choice, he said: “I always knew I wanted to play for Nigeria… Naturally, I participated in German youth selections, but when the opportunity arose for Nigeria, I recognised it as a dream, and I fulfilled it, by God’s grace.”

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Okoye has been named in Nigeria’s 23-man roster for upcoming international friendlies against Iran and Jordan in Antalya, Turkey, later this month.