Okoye: We want to go back to AFCON and make Nigerians happy again

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye is confident the team will get the needed results in their first two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group stage against the Cheetahs of Republic of Benin and the Amavubi of Rwanda.

Okoye who joined the team in Uyo on Wednesday told the NFF TV that the Super Eagles want to return to the AFCON stage and bring the kind of joy he witnessed as a Nigerian and a fan (he was not at the competition).

He however believes they will have to work to get to Morocco next year if they are desirous of making Nigerians happy and believe in them again.

‘For sure we will get the wins because these are very important qualifiers, we have to be at our best and perform at our highest level,’ he said and emphasized the importance of having a player like the team’s stand-in captain at the last AFCON, William Troost-Ekong back in the team after the 31 year old was snubbed by Finidi George for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying games against South Africa and Benin in June.

‘He is an important player and we need him back in the team. With him in the team, there will certainly be a difference,’ he added.