Okoye Opens Up on Super Eagles Struggles After 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2026 FIFA World Cup Setbacks
Maduka Okoye has opened up on the recent struggles of the Nigeria national football team, admitting the team is still searching for answers after a difficult period on the international stage.
The Udinese Calcio goalkeeper reflected on Nigeria’s disappointing campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles fell short of expectations despite reaching the semi-finals. They were eventually knocked out on penalties by hosts Morocco national football team before settling for a third-place finish.
Okoye, who was not part of the squad as Stanley Nwabali took over as first-choice goalkeeper, said watching from home was not easy.
Maduka Okoye told SportyTV, “I was watching from home as a supporter, like all the other 200–300 million Nigerians. We deserved to win the Cup, but next year is already the next opportunity for us, and we will do everything to bring it home again.”
Nigeria’s AFCON disappointment was followed by an even bigger setback after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Okoye admitted that the team is still trying to understand why results have not matched their quality.
“National team football is a different kind of football, and the answer might be in the World Cup,” Okoye said.
“I don’t really know, because we have the quality, we have great players, top-level players, top characters in the team. Hopefully, we get it done next time.”
Despite the setbacks, the 24-year-old remains hopeful that the team can recover and achieve success in future competitions.
Okoye has now been recalled to the Super Eagles squad for upcoming friendly matches against Iran and Jordan, signalling a new phase for the team as they begin to rebuild.
Born in Germany to a Nigerian father, the goalkeeper also explained why he chose to represent Nigeria at international level despite having the option to play for Germany.
Okoye said, “I grew up in Germany, but my father was very, very present in my life, especially in my young and early ages. So, I keep a lot of Nigerian inside of me, and I’m very proud of it.”
“I always knew I wanted to play for Nigeria, and back then I didn’t have another option. Of course, I went to youth German selections, but when the time came for Nigeria, I knew this was a dream, and I made it come true, by God’s grace.”
With 18 caps to his name, Okoye remains part of Nigeria’s goalkeeping setup as the Super Eagles look to move past recent disappointments.
