Soccer
Maduka Okoye in action for Udinese. Copyright: Imago
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has addressed talks about his future at Udinese amidst interest from top clubs in Germany, England and France, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 26-year-old recorded ten clean sheets in 30 league outings for Kosta Runjaic’s side, helping them to a top-half finish in the Italian Serie A.
Okoye’s performance at club level, coupled with his displays in Nigeria’s friendlies against Poland and Portugal, just before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has put him on the radar of top clubs.
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The Germany-born Nigerian has a contract with the Bianconeri that runs till the summer of 2028, and clarified that he’s focused on his task with Udinese.
“I am really very happy at Udinese and I really appreciates the association, all the employees, the beautiful city that has become my second home, and the people very much,” the former Watford goalkeeper said in an interview with Transfermarkt.
“Also the peace and routine I found here. Of course, I still have goals in my career, but currently my head is complete at Udinese.
“I enjoy it without thinking too much about the future. In football things can change quickly and if it happens, I know that the club is well positioned and I can still earn him a nice replacement.
“But until then, I’m 100 percent Udinese professional.”
According to the report, the agent of the 21-cap Super Eagles goalie has been contacted by clubs from all the top 4 leagues, including the Bundesliga, and top teams from the Turkish Süper Lig, but Okoye isn’t flattered.
“It is a good push for me as a person to know that you are in demand and that one or the other club is on the list.
“However, I leave this to my advisors, where I am in outstanding hands with Gabriele Giuffrida and Co. That’s their part and I have absolute confidence in their work,” the former Dusseldorf goalie concluded.
Following his displays against Poland and Portugal earlier this month, Maduka Okoye has made a strong claim to be Nigeria’s starting goalkeeper when the AFCON 2027 qualifiers kick off in September.
The Super Eagles have been drawn into Group L alongside Tanzania, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual CAF-Accredited sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.
With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.
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