Maduka Okoye to Start for Nigeria Against Russia After Missing Unity Cup

Maduka Okoye, goalkeeper for Udinese, will start for Nigeria Super Eagles against Russia in an Internationally Friendly game on Friday, June 6, 2025.

According to Owngoal, Okoye didn’t play in the recent Unity Cup in England. He stayed on the bench for the games against Ghana and Jamaica, as regular first-choice Stanley Nwabali played both matches. Head coach Eric Chelle had already told Okoye about this plan.

Chelle explained that he preferred Nwabali for the Unity Cup games but promised Okoye would start the next match against Russia at Luzhniki Stadium.

Another player set to start is Chrisantus Uche, a midfielder from Gefate. He came on in the last 20 minutes against Jamaica and scored the winning penalty during the shootout.

Uche arrived late to camp, which is why he didn’t start against Jamaica. However, after speaking with the coach and apologising for being late, Chelle has now decided to start him.