Maduka Okoye has expressed his delight at returning to the Super Eagles team, stressing his desire to become a regular fixture in the squad after his recent recall.
The Udinese goalkeeper highlighted the personal significance of representing Nigeria, describing his call-up as both an honour and motivation to maintain consistency at the highest level.
“I was so pleased to be called up to the national team,” Okoye said on Udinese Tonight, via the club’s official website.
“It’s important to me as a player and as a person. I want to return many more times.”
Okoye’s return to the national team comes after missing Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He featured in the Super Eagles’ 2-1 friendly victory over Iran in Antalya during the March international window but was ruled out of the subsequent 2-2 draw against Jordan due to a thigh injury sustained in training.
Despite that setback, the 26-year-old has responded impressively at club level, earning a place in the Serie A Team of the Week following a standout performance in Udinese’s 3-0 win over AC Milan, where he kept a clean sheet.
He was one of six goalkeepers to register a shutout during the round, but his composed and assured display saw him stand out among his peers.
Okoye’s inclusion places him alongside his Udinese teammates Atta and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, as well as other notable performers including Robin Gosens, Rafael Obrador, Denzel Dumfries, Scott McTominay, Riccardo Orsolini, Marcus Thuram, Sebastiano Esposito and Donyell Malen.
The recognition reflects his growing influence this season, with the Udinese shot-stopper now recording eight clean sheets in 24 Serie A appearances and achieving three consecutive shutouts for the first time since joining the club in 2023.
Okoye, who made his Super Eagles debut against Brazil in 2019, has now earned 19 caps and is pushing to consolidate his position as first-choice goalkeeper amid increasing competition.
With Arthur Okonkwo emerging at Wrexham and Stanley Nwabali expected to return to regular club football, the battle for the number one shirt remains intense.
However, Okoye’s current trajectory, underlined by his consistent performances in one of Europe’s top leagues, places him firmly in contention to secure more opportunities with the Super Eagles.
The PUNCH