Maduka Okoye: Udinese goalkeeper declares readiness for Nigeria return

Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye has expressed a desire to make a return to the Super Eagles’ fold after missing the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Nigerian international missed out on the Super Eagles’ journey to the final of the tournament after being cut from the final squad by Jose Peseiro.

The former Sparta Rotterdam goalie was the Super Eagles’ number-one gloveman at the 2021 edition of the continental championships.

However, he has not featured for Nigeria since committing an error in the Round of 16 clash against Tunisia at the 2021 AFCON which led to the Super Eagles’ exit from the tournament.

Okoye admitted it was hard for him to watch the AFCON from home.

“I am very well now. I feel 100 per cent. The national team is an important thing for me and I want to return as soon as possible,” the goalkeeper told Udinese official website.

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

However, the 24-year-old will face a tough competition to displace the Chippa United shot-stopper, Stanley Neabali, in the post following the South African based star impressive performance at the tournament.