Maduka Okoye Eyeing a Recall to the Super Eagles After 2 Years Away

• Maduka Okoye is open to returning to the Super Eagles
• The Udinese goalkeeper has not played for Nigeria since 2021
• Okoye has been in phenomenal form for Serie A club Udinese

Maduka Okoye is ready to return to the Super Eagles, two years after taking a break from the national team following backlash from fans after Nigeria’s exit from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper has been rejuvenated at his current club, Udinese, breaking into the first team of the Serie A team following his summer switch from Watford. He was recently named in Team of the Week in Italy.

According to All Nigeria Soccer, Okoye has now signalled he is fit and ready to return to the Super Eagles after missing out on the 2023 AFCON following his sabbatical from international football.

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“I'm very well now. I feel 100%. The national team is an important thing for me, and I want to return as soon as possible. It was hard watching the Africa Cup of Nations from home, but this is football."

Okoye will need to battle for the Super Eagles number one spot with Stanley Nwabali on his return after the Chippa United goalkeeper sealed the position with his impressive performances at the 2023 AFCON.

Rufai backs Nwabali for Super Eagles

Meanwhile, Nigerian legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai says Stanley Nwabali has done enough to earn the number one spot in the goalkeeping department for the Super Eagles, Complete Sports reports.

The Chippa United goalie captivated the hearts of Nigerians after his outstanding exploits in the AFCON in Ivory Coast, where he helped the Super Eagles win silver medals.

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Nwabali, who displaced Francis Uzoho as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, proved to be the solution to Nigeria’s goalkeeping problems since the retirement of Vincent Enyeama.

Okoye impresses in Serie A debut

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Okoye is determined to leave an indelible mark in the Italian Serie A, as the 24-year-old goalkeeper showcased his commitment during a stellar debut for Udinese.

In a notable performance against Bologna, the Super Eagles goalkeeper not only secured a clean sheet but also bolstered his case with five crucial saves and a well-timed punch.

Okoye has been named as the first-choice goalkeeper in the last nine league matches for Udinese and was recently named in the Serie A Team of the Week for his impressive performance against Juventus.