Former Super Eagles coach reveals what Maduka Okoye must do to displace Nwabali
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper coach Aloysius Uzoma Agu has commended Maduka Okoye for the significant progress he has made in his career despite earlier setbacks.
Agu believes that Okoye has the potential to become the first-choice goalkeeper for the Nigerian national team but cautioned that he must remain patient, as the current starter, Stanley Nwabali, has performed consistently well.
Okoye, who previously held the starting position for the Super Eagles, faced challenges that led to a loss of confidence from national team coaches due to a series of error-prone displays.
However, Agu noted that Okoye’s recent form at Udinese, where he is now the first-choice goalkeeper in the Serie A, a top-five league in Europe, is indicative of his resilience and improvement.
Following a difficult period that saw a shift in the national team’s goalkeeping hierarchy, the decision by coach José Peseiro to place his trust in Nwabali paid off.
The Chippa United shot-stopper delivered an assured performance during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and has since secured his position as the number one goalkeeper.
“Maduka has overcome the difficult period in his career,” Agu declared, acknowledging the steep competition faced by Udinese’s keeper compared to Nwabali, who plays in South Africa. He expressed optimism that Okoye could eventually reclaim his spot in the Super Eagles, provided he continues to excel in Serie A.
Agu stated, “It is difficult to take a starting spot at top European clubs, but Okoye has made it easy. However, he cannot afford to relax; he must continue to work hard. I recognized his talent during his time at Dusseldorf and brought him into the national team.” He emphasized the importance of having two quality goalkeepers in the national setup, recalling the debuts of both Nwabali against Mexico and Okoye against Brazil, which he coached. “At the moment, Nwabali is doing well, and Okoye has to bide his time. He needs to play regularly with Udinese to be ready for his opportunity with Nigeria,” Agu concluded.
