National Teams
Maduka Okoye reflects on Nigeria journey and expresses gratitude to Gernot Rohr
By Monsurah Olatunji
Nigeria international Maduka Okoye has expressed deep gratitude to former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr for making his dream of representing Nigeria a reality. Despite being raised in Germany, Okoye, born in Düsseldorf to a Nigerian father and a German mother, always aspired to play for Nigeria.
Eligible to represent both Germany and Nigeria at the international level, Okoye chose to make his Nigerian debut against Brazil on October 13, 2019, under Rohr’s management, rather than waiting for a potential opportunity with Germany.
Though his spot was questioned following a goalkeeping error at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon, Okoye made a comeback to the national team last month after nearly a year. Reflecting on his journey, the 24-year-old Udinese goalkeeper acknowledged the pivotal role Rohr played in his career.
“Yes, it has always been Nigeria for me; a childhood dream to play for the Super Eagles,” Okoye told Tribalfootball. “My German youth coach, Lutz Pfannenstiel, played a significant part in that, but with Rohr, I had a fantastic coach in my early years as a Super Eagles player. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities he gave me at that time.”
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