Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, has shared his excitement about returning to the senior national team for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.
Okoye, who recently concluded an impressive Serie A season with Udinese, was selected by Super Eagles head coach Finidi George among a roster of 22 players for the crucial matches.
Since his last appearance in international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in October of 2023, Okoye had not been called up for national team duty.
Speaking to Udinese’s official website following their victory over Frosinone on Sunday, the Nigerian international expressed his honor in representing his country.
“I am very happy to return to the national team. It is a great honour for me and my family to play for Nigeria. But in the meantime, Alé Udin!”
Okoye also commended his teammates for ensuring Udinese’s place in Serie A for another season.
“For the city, for the team. Playing in Serie A is very important for the city and the club. I’m happy; I’m feeling a lot of emotions right now,” he added.
Reflecting on the season, he noted, “It was important for us to give a nice permanence, wasn’t it to father Gianpaolo Pozzo. It’s important for me, I can still work on many things. I have a great coach, I will definitely improve further in the future.”
