Maduka Okoye, the Super Eagles‘ goalkeeper, has received widespread acclaim following his outstanding comeback after a four-month suspension.
Gianluca Nani, the technical director at Udinese, has praised Okoye’s exceptional performances since resuming play, highlighting his vital role in the team.
Nani emphasized that during training sessions, Okoye was nearly unbeatable, making it extremely difficult for opponents to score, which helped him reclaim his position as Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Nani on Okoye’s Return: A Testament to His Quality
After missing Udinese’s first eight fixtures this season, Okoye marked his comeback with a solid display in the 1-1 draw against US Cremonese.
Despite nearly five months away from competitive action, the 24-year-old goalkeeper demonstrated no signs of decline, delivering several crucial saves, including a vital block against Jamie Vardy from close range.
Discussing the rationale behind reinstating Okoye in the starting lineup, Nani told DAZN (via Tutto Udinese): “Okoye’s recent training sessions have been outstanding; scoring against him was nearly unachievable during practice.”
“We’re thrilled to have him back as our primary goalkeeper, and there was never any hesitation about that. Nonetheless, I want to acknowledge the efforts of his replacement, who performed admirably.”
This statement reinforces Udinese’s unwavering confidence in Okoye as their leading goalkeeper. His timely return is a significant boost for the club, which has faced defensive challenges in his absence.
Okoye’s Revival Elevates Competition for Nigeria’s Goalkeeper Spot
Okoye’s impressive form also comes as a welcome development for the Nigerian national team, where the battle for the starting goalkeeper position has become increasingly fierce under coach Eric Chelle.
With the Super Eagles preparing to announce their squad for the pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon next month, Okoye’s recent performances strengthen his case for selection.
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Okoye, who last appeared for Nigeria in a friendly against Russia in June 2025, has faced stiff competition from fellow goalkeepers Adebayo Adeleye and Francis Uzoho.
Now that his confidence is back and his form has been revitalized, Okoye’s standout performances in Italy position him as a leading contender to reclaim the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping duties.