Maduka Okoye Commits Future to Udinese despite transfer interest, saying he remains focused on the Serie A club ahead of the new season

Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has reaffirmed his commitment to Udinese, ruling out an exit this summer despite reported interest from Juventus and other clubs across Europe’s top leagues.

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The 26-year-old Super Eagles shot-stopper said his immediate focus remains on preparing for the new season with the Serie A side, where he established himself as one of the club’s most important players during the previous campaign.

The decision comes after a strong 2025/26 season in which he recorded 10 clean sheets in 30 league appearances, helping Kosta Runjaic’s team secure a top-half finish in Serie A.

Okoye’s performances for Udinese, combined with his displays for Nigeria in pre-World Cup friendly matches against Poland and Portugal, have attracted attention from clubs seeking reliable goalkeeping options. However, the goalkeeper insisted he is not distracted by speculation.

“Of course, I still have goals in my career, but currently my head is complete at Udinese. I enjoy it without thinking too much about the future,” Okoye told Transfermarkt.

“In football things can change quickly, and if it happens, I know that the club is well positioned and can still earn a nice replacement. But until then, I am 100 per cent Udinese professional.”

Okoye, who has earned 21 caps for Nigeria, is valued at around €10 million by Transfermarkt and has two years remaining on his Udinese contract.

His consistency between the posts has strengthened his reputation as one of Africa’s leading goalkeepers playing in Europe.

The goalkeeper returned to pre-season training after an eventful summer break that included a Formula One experience and an appearance alongside American rapper Cardi B at a fashion event in Paris.

Despite those off-field moments, Okoye said his priority remains football and helping Udinese achieve their ambitions.

“I am happy to be here. We are happy to be here with the fans, and we cannot wait to get started,” he said after Udinese unveiled their 2026/27 season jersey, according to Tuttomercatoweb.

The goalkeeper will now focus on maintaining his form ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September. He is expected to compete for the national team’s starting position following Stanley Nwabali’s return to Chippa United.

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Udinese will begin their 2026/27 competitive campaign with a Coppa Italia fixture against Serie B side Padova on 15 August, as Okoye looks to continue his impressive rise in Italian football.