Maduka Emilio Okoye, goalkeeper for the Super Eagles and Udinese, has revived his desire to become Nigeria's number one, according to Soccernet.ng.
The 24-year-old was the Nigerian team's starting custodian at the AFCON 2021 competition; however, an error by him saw the Super Eagles exit the tournament in the round of 16 in Cameroon, prompting heavy condemnation from Nigerian football fans.
Maduka received his first call-up since 2022 when Finidi George named the Udinese custodian to Nigeria's 23-man squad for FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin Republic and South Africa, where he was second choice to Stanley Nwabali.
After a fantastic season with Udinese in Serie A, the former Fortuna Dusseldorf player has been linked with a move to Inter Milan and Torino, but he has his sights set on becoming the man to lead Nigeria to the next World Cup.
“People will back Manuel Neuer if he makes errors because he’s done a lot for Bayern and Germany, but I’ve not given my best performances to the national team, and I’m praying for the opportunity to give my best to Nigeria; it is what I’ve always wanted. I want to be the one who carries Nigeria to the World Cup and brings the trophies home, but it is not easy. I know I didn’t give my best, but I want to give my all, to give it all for my fatherland,” Okoye told Oma Akatugba in an interview.
The Udinese shot-stopper will be hoping to be back between the posts as Nigeria begins their road to qualifying for the AFCON tournament next season.