Maduka Okoye reveals accidental path to goalkeeping career

Nigerian and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has opened up about how he unexpectedly became a goalkeeper plus other career issues.

During an interview with Tribalfootball, the 24-year-old recounted his unique journey. “I started as a striker but turned into a goalkeeper by accident,” Okoye shared.

He also revealed his early inspiration in the sport, saying, “Growing up, it has always been the one and only Nelson Dida of Brazil.”

Despite facing challenges earlier in the season, the Super Eagles shot-stopper had an impressive second half with the Italian Serie A side.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper finally got his career on track when he moved to Italian Serie A side, Udinese, on August 24, 2023. Since then, he has become a regular for the club which he helped to escape relegation last season.

“As soon as I step on the pitch, I am always confident. But, of course, there are good and bad days. The art is to have as many good days as possible and fewer mistakes. Therefore, I am glad to have Sergio Macron as my goalkeeping coach,” Maduka Okoye said.

“My skill set after one year working under him is already much wider, he’s going into every little detail of my goalkeeping and makes sure that there’s improvement every day.”

When asked if he has always wanted to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the goalkeeper said: “Yes, it has been always Nigeria for me, a childhood dream playing for the Super Eagles. Yes, Lutz played a big part in that… he was in good contact with Nigeria’s former coach Gernot Rohr; he opened that door for me.

“With Rohr, I had a fantastic coach in my early years as a Super Eagle, I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunities he gave me in that time!”