Udinese goalkeeper returns to national team after AFCON absence, targets consistency amid fierce competition for Nigeria’s No.1 jersey.

Maduka Okoye has expressed delight following his recall to the Super Eagles, reaffirming his ambition to become a regular fixture in the national team.

The Udinese goalkeeper highlighted the personal significance of representing Nigeria, describing his call-up as both an honour and a strong motivation to maintain consistency at the highest level.

Speaking via his club, Okoye said: “I was so pleased to be called up to the national team. It’s important to me as a player and as a person. I want to return many more times.”

Okoye’s return comes after he missed Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He featured in the Super Eagles’ 2-1 friendly victory over Iran in Antalya during the March international window but was ruled out of the 2-2 draw against Jordan due to a thigh injury sustained in training.

The 26-year-old has been in impressive form at club level, earning a place in the Serie A Team of the Week following a standout performance in Udinese’s 3-0 win over AC Milan, where he kept a clean sheet.

He was one of six goalkeepers to register a shutout that round, with his composed and assured display setting him apart among his peers.

Okoye was named alongside teammates Sandi Lovrić Atta and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, as well as Robin Gosens, Rafael Obrador, Denzel Dumfries, Scott McTominay, Riccardo Orsolini, Marcus Thuram, Sebastiano Esposito, and Donyell Malen.

The recognition underlines his growing influence this season. The Udinese shot-stopper has recorded eight clean sheets in 24 Serie A appearances and recently achieved three consecutive shutouts for the first time since joining the club in 2023.

Okoye made his Super Eagles debut against Brazil in 2019 and has earned 19 caps.

With competition intensifying—particularly with Stanley Nwabali expected to return to regular club football—the battle for Nigeria’s number one shirt remains wide open as Okoye pushes to reclaim the top spot.