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Maduka Okoye Targets Regular Nigeria Call-Ups After Serie A Record

Tolu Shotade

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Last updated: Tue 14 Apr 2026 18:27

Tolu Shotade 4 hours ago

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Maduka Okoye achieves 3 consecutive Serie A clean sheets.
Eager to secure a starting role in Nigeria's national team.
Faces competition from Nwabali and Okonkwo for Super Eagles' goalkeeper spot.

Maduka Okoye

Following his historic performance in Udinese’s 3-0 victory over AC Milan on April 11, 2026, Maduka Okoye has reaffirmed his desire to become a mainstay in the Nigeria national team.

The 26-year-old shot-stopper, who recently set a personal career record of three consecutive Serie A clean sheets, is determined to translate his elite club form into a regular starting role for the Super Eagles.

Okoye’s recent resurgence comes after a period of absence from the national team, and having recently returned to the fold under coach Eric Chelle, the goalkeeper has signaled that he is ready to help lead Nigeria toward the 2027 AFCON and the 2030 World Cup cycles.

A Career-Best Form for Club and Country

Maduka Okoye is currently playing the best football of his career, with his recent shutout at the San Siro serving as a loud message to the Nigerian technical crew. His performance against AC Milan followed consecutive clean sheets against Genoa and Como, marking the first time in his professional journey that he has gone three straight top-flight games without conceding a goal.

This record-breaking streak has lifted Udinese into the top half of the Serie A table and solidified Okoye's reputation as one of the most in-form keepers in Italy. Despite a minor thigh knock that limited his participation in the March friendly against Jordan, his earlier performance in the win over Iran proved he is physically and mentally prepared for the rigors of international duty.

Focusing on the Rebuilding Phase and National Pride

In a recent interview, Okoye reflected on the disappointment of Nigeria missing out on the 2026 World Cup while emphasizing his commitment to the team's future success. He noted that while the squad possesses world-class talent, the focus must now shift to consistency and long-term goals to reward the passion of over 200 million Nigerians.

Okoye expressed that representing the national team remains a unique and special experience, and he is determined to be part of the group that brings a trophy home during the next AFCON tournament. His maturity and focus on the collective goal suggest he is ready to take on a leadership role within the dressing room.

The Intense Battle for the Super Eagles Number One Shirt

The request for more regular call-ups comes at a time when Nigeria’s goalkeeping department is arguably at its most competitive in a decade. Okoye faces stiff competition from AFCON hero Stanley Nwabali and the newly cleared Wrexham star Arthur Okonkwo, who brings high-level Championship pedigree to the squad.

However, playing in one of Europe’s "Big Five" leagues and maintaining a historic clean sheet streak gives Okoye a distinct advantage in the eyes of many analysts. As Eric Chelle prepares the squad for the June international window, Okoye’s form makes him a primary candidate to reclaim the starting jersey and settle the debate over Nigeria's best option between the posts.