Maduka Okoye: Super Eagles ‘most handsome’ extends stay with Italian Club

The Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has extended his contract with Serie A side Udinese.

The deal, which will keep him at the club until 2028, ends speculation linking him with a move to Inter Milan and Torino.

Okoye has been a key figure for Udinese since joining from Watford last summer.

However, the goalkeeper has opted to remain with the Italian outfit, “Still together, more than before. Udinese Calcio and Maduka Okoye have renewed the contract which will see the Nigerian goalkeeper linked to the Juventus club until 30 June 2028,” read a statement from the club.

The extension is a testament to Okoye's commitment to Udinese and the club's faith in the Nigerian goalkeeper.

“A new agreement is needed for one of the certainties of the squad, who is further linked to Udinese.

“Maduka, who arrived in Friuli in the summer of 2023, earned himself a leading role during the past season, demonstrating a high standard of performance that made him one of the best goalkeepers in the championship.

“Its renewal demonstrates his and the Club’s desire to continue the journey together with renewed enthusiasm and ambitions.”

Maduka Okoye has enjoyed a career resurgence since joining Udinese after overcoming injury setbacks at Watford. The 24-year-old has established himself as a key player for the Italian club.

The former Watford man was recalled to the national team by former coach Finidi George ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

As Okoye continues to shine in Italy, the competition for the Super Eagles' starting spot is set to intensify, benefiting the overall strength of the Nigerian squad.