Maduka Okoye: ‘I Want to Stay in Italy, Osimhen Is a Special Player’

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has opened up about his career, life in Italy, and admiration for Victor Osimhen in a wide-ranging interview conducted by Udinese in collaboration with Lega Serie A as part of the ‘A Day with a Professional Football Player’ program.

The feature, reported by Tuttomercatoweb, offered fans a rare glimpse into the daily life of the Nigerian shot-stopper.

Speaking about his current club, Okoye described Udinese as the perfect environment for his growth.

‘I feel great here, it’s the perfect place for football. We are lucky, we have an absurd sports center. When I enter the field I feel something strong, I don’t know how to explain it. I want to stay in Italy, I like it very much. I like the language, the people. When I was a child I thought of this as a dream and for me it still is,’ he said.

Okoye also praised former Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who is currently sidelined with injury.

‘Then I have Osimhen’s shirt; he’s incredibly strong. Quality aside, he brings an energy to the pitch that no one else brings. He’s a special player,’ he noted.

The Nigerian goalkeeper revealed his idols and inspirations, citing legendary Brazilian keeper Dida and Spanish star David De Gea.

He also named his current top three goalkeepers: Marc-André ter Stegen, Thibaut Courtois, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, whom he described as ‘the strongest right now.’

Reflecting on his journey, Okoye recalled his move from Watford to Udinese.

‘I was at Watford, I almost never played and I had an operation. Then I had the opportunity to come here, I was very happy because it is not normal not to play in the Championship and then get to Serie A. I am very grateful to the Pozzo family for the opportunity, since I arrived I have felt at home thanks to the city and the fans.’