Super Eagles Maduka Okoye provides important detail on his future in conversation with Udinese fans

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye recently spoke about his past and future in a conversation with fans of Udinese. 

The 25-year-old is the first-choice shot-stopper for the Zebrette, reclaiming his spot after a long-term injury. He is also back in contention for the Super Eagles and was included in Eric Chelle’s squad to face Russia.

The Nigerian goalie spoke with an exclusive selection of Udinese fans. He was asked about his background and how he came to be a goalkeeper. 

He revealed that he had a lot of support from his parents—a Nigerian father and a German mother—and that he was initially a striker in his years at the academy.

“Without my parents, I could not have become one [a footballer]. Even today they are very important for my career,” he said via the Udinese website.

“I started out as a striker, then in the winter, our goalkeeper didn’t want to be in goal anymore because he was cold and so I offered to do it. From then on I never left the goal.”

The Düsseldorf-born star had to overcome a wrist injury that kept him out of action for three months. He has returned to his best form and believes that “it was a moment of growth; I think I grew in those three months. You have to accept the moment and take the best from what happens to you.”

Asked about his future, Okoye gave a diplomatic response, stating that he was fully focused on Udinese. “I am one of you; I am a Black and White player, and I am happy to be here. It is difficult to think about the future because I am only focused on Udinese the club and the fans have entered my heart.”