Udinese technical director Gökhan Inler has praised the recent development of Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, noting that the shot-stopper has made significant strides in several aspects of his game. 

Inler highlighted Okoye’s growing confidence and his return to international duty with Nigeria national football team as signs of his steady progress.

Okoye endured a difficult start to the season after missing several weeks due to a betting-related suspension, but has since bounced back strongly to reclaim the first-choice goalkeeper role at Udinese.

Despite his resurgence at club level, the 26-year-old was omitted from Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, his recent recall to the national team appears to signal a renewed trust in his abilities.

Speaking TV12 via Tuttomercatoweb, Inler emphasized the club’s approach to Okoye’s development, revealing that the coaching staff has been working closely with the goalkeeper on a weekly basis.

"You should ask him what we're doing (laughs). We're working closely; a goalkeeper like him must always play at the highest level," Inler said. "The important thing is to talk to the players individually, too, so we can delve deeper."

He stressed the importance of individual communication and trust, noting that Okoye is gradually improving not only in performance but also in leadership and communication on the pitch.  

"It's been like that with Maduka, every week, with the goalkeeping coach, with the coach; we're working hard. It's important to trust him; he has to contribute something, even in terms of communication," he added.  

"He's slowly growing, he even went to the national team, he knows he has to prove himself in every match. I'm always behind him; when I see signs going the other way, I have to address them immediately because there are still eight games left and I want to do better than last year."

Okoye recently marked his return to international action by playing the full 90 minutes in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Iran in an international friendly in Antalya, Turkey. 

However, he has been ruled out of Tuesday's friendly against Jordan after he sustained a thigh injury during training

Adeyemi Adewale