Maduka Okoye: Nigeria goalkeeper pens new deal with Udinese

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Italian Serie A side, Udinese and Maduka Okoye have renewed the contract that will see the Nigerian goalkeeper tied to the black and white club until June 30, 2028.

A new agreement ended speculations of the Nigerian goalkeeper moving to another Italia side, Inter Milan.

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

His renewal demonstrates his and the Club’s desire to continue the journey together with renewed enthusiasm and ambition.

Okoye joined Udinese from Dutch side, Sparta Rotterdam after two seasons with them.

He was behind the sticks 21 times in the Italian Serie A last season.

The 24-year-old save hands previously kept for Dusseldorf II and Jong Sparta Rotterdam before making Sparta Rotterdam first team.

He was part of the Nigeria national team at the 2020 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon where the Super Eagles reached the Round of 16 and had not played for the three time African champions ever since.

His new found form and club is expected to put him in contention for a return to the national team.