'I am still the same' - Maduka Okoye honoured to be Udinese's first choice goalkeeper

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has expressed pride in retaining his status as Udinese’s first-choice shot-stopper, even as the Italian side battles through a difficult run of form.

Okoye, who has been one of Udinese's standout performers despite returning from injury in March, praised head coach Kosta Runjaić for his continued faith in him.

Speaking to the club’s official website, the Nigerian international revealed he has learned a lot since making his debut.  

"I am still the same as when I made my Serie A debut against Bologna, but I have certainly learned a lot," Okoye said.

"The coach has faith in me, I am grateful to be able to play every week. For me it is an honor to defend this goal."

The 25-year-old also called on his teammates to keep working hard in order to help the team improve.  

"To get out of this moment we have to keep working. We are working well, as we have done all season, we have to keep doing it and grow together," he added.

Udinese are currently winless in their last seven league games since Okoye’s return from injury, but the Nigerian has remained a bright spot, having made 21 appearances this season and keeping four clean sheets.

With only a few matches left before the end of the campaign, Okoye is hoping the club can turn things around and finish the season on a positive note.

After missing Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March, Okoye will also aim to maintain his form and earn a recall to the Super Eagles squad ahead of the Unity Cup tournament in London next month.

Adeyemi Adewale

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com