BY: OLATOYE OLAWALE
 |
| Maduka Okoye, Super Eagles Goalkeeper |
Maduka Okoye is the new kid sensation in the Super Eagles and besides his goalkeeping skills, the 20 year-old earned his first cap for Nigeria in the international friendly against Brazil last October, coming on as a replacement for Francis Uzoho, who got injured.
Dusseldorf Born goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has giving comprehensive reason that caused his decision to commit his international future to Nigeria over his country of birth, Germany because of the love he has for the African giants.
The dual-eligible Okoye had never been to Nigeria, where his father hails from, prior to his invitee to the National team, for last November's 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin and Lesotho.
Asked what prompted him to choose Nigeria over Germany, Okoye explained to Eagles Tracker : "Simply the love for Nigeria and the way I grew up, it was an easy decision.
" It's always being a dream to play for Nigeria, the chance came and I took it directly. There was no second I wanted to waste."
😉Continue Reading Below ...😜
The 20-year-old has revealed his admiration for Nigeria's most capped player in history Vincent Enyeama and wants to follow in the footsteps of the former Lille safe hands.
" I admire Vincent Enyeama, he's a legend. What he has done for this country, he's an idol. I am looking up to him and I want to do things for Nigeria he has done, that's why I'm looking up to him."
Another German-born player in the Super Eagles squad is Leon Balogun, took Okoye under his wing when he earned his maiden call-up for a friendly against Ukraine last September.
" Leon Balogun because he is also half-German and he's like a big brother, he told me everything and he introduced me to everyone very well.
" Now we are a big family, every player is like a brother to me. I am learning everyday from every player when I'm with the Eagles. It's a blessing to be part of this team," said Okoye.
But besides his passion for football, the 6ft 6" goalkeeper is an imposing figure, stylish and looks good enough for a Vogue Magazine Cover, making his international debut where he played the last 27 minutes of Nigeria's 1-1 draw with Brazil in Singapore on October 13, 2019, he got the date tattooed on his hand for remembrance.
Post a Comment