I want to come back — Maduka Okoye ready to challenge Nwabali as Super Eagles' first-choice

Maduka Okoye missed out on Nigeria's journey to the final of AFCON 2023 in Cote d'Ivoire after being cut from the final squad by Jose Peseiro.

The Udinese shot-stopper has been absent from the Super Eagles since the 2021 AFCON Round of 16 match against Tunisia.

In that game, Okoye made a crucial error that contributed to Nigeria's elimination from the tournament.

In a recent interview with the Udinese official website, the shot-stopper expressed the difficulty of watching the 2022 AFCON from home.

Okoye conveyed his feelings about being on the sidelines and not contributing to the Super Eagles' campaign.

“I am very well now. I feel 100 percent. The national team is an important thing for me and I want to return as soon as possible,” Okoye said.

“It was hard watching the Africa Cup of Nations from home, but this is football.”

Meanwhile, Stanley Nwabali's impressive performance at the tournament in Cote d'Ivoire presents an interesting challenge for Okoye.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper will face a tough competition to displace the Chippa United shot-stopper in the national team.