Super Eagles‘Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has spoken about his remarkable journey to becoming the first-choice goalkeeper for Udinese, one of Italy’s top Serie A clubs.
In an exclusive interview with Oma Sports TV, Okoye shared his experiences and the challenges he overcame to secure his place in the starting lineup.
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Reflecting on his rapid rise from an uncertain signing to a key player, Maduka Okoye expressed immense pride and gratitude. “Finally, I can say that I achieved something I had dreamed of all my life,” said the Nigerian international. “It is a moment that my family, especially my father, and I have worked for. But I know this is just the first step in a bigger journey we are striving for.”
Maduka Okoye arrived at Udinese after a turbulent year at Watford, where he had to deal with limited playing time and underwent shoulder surgery. “Coming to Udinese was really good. After a difficult year in London and at Watford, I was happy to have a fresh start,” he explained. “I am grateful to the Pozzo family for giving me this opportunity, even though there were no guarantees when I arrived. I wasn’t promised anything and I wasn’t expected to start so soon. But I believed in myself and worked hard every day.”
Okoye’s path was not without uncertainties. He started with no promises of playing time, much less becoming the starting goalkeeper. However, his perseverance and his father’s unwavering confidence played a decisive role. “When I signed for Udinese, my father told me: ‘Don’t worry, in six months you’ll be playing.’ He didn’t know how he could be so sure, but he was right. In six months he was already playing.”
Now firmly established as Udinese’s number one, Okoye continues to strive for greater heights, recognizing that his current success is just the beginning. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and family support to achieve dreams.
As he looks ahead to the challenges ahead, Maduka Okoye remains focused on helping Udinese achieve their goals while also cementing their place in the annals of Nigerian football greatness.
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