National Teams
Alloy Agu hails Maduka Okoye’s impact for Udinese in Italy
By Saheed Afolabi
Former Nigeria international, Alloy Agu, has showered praise on goalkeeper Maduka Okoye following his impressive performances in Italy’s Serie A, stressing his remarkable comeback after a difficult spell in England.
Okoye, who struggled for regular game time during his time in the English Premier League, has found his rhythm in Italy, earning a recall to the Super Eagles thanks to his stellar form. Agu, a former Super Eagles goalkeeper himself, commended Okoye for his determination in securing a starting role at one of Europe’s top leagues.
“It is difficult to take a starting spot at top European clubs, but Okoye has made it look easy,” Agu said, speaking to Tutto Udinese. “However, Maduka cannot afford to relax; he must continue to work hard.”
Agu went on to reflect on how he first spotted Okoye’s potential while he was at Fortuna Düsseldorf, where his talent stood out, prompting Agu to bring him into the national team despite some skepticism.
“I have always known about his talent since his time at Düsseldorf,” Agu explained. “I saw his potential and brought him to the national team, despite not everyone believing in him. It is not a stroke of luck that he has risen through the ranks.”
Agu also highlighted Okoye’s physical attributes, particularly his height and reflexes, as key factors that have set him apart from other African goalkeepers.
“I think he is one of the best African goalkeepers, not only because of his talent but also because of a combination of factors such as age and height,” Agu said, praising Okoye’s well-rounded abilities that make him one of the continent’s top shot-stoppers.
As Okoye continues to shine in Serie A, the Super Eagles goalkeeper is firmly in the spotlight, with Agu encouraging him to maintain his work ethic and keep pushing to further establish himself among Europe’s elite.
