Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has praised teammate Victor Osimhen, highlighting the forward’s unique influence on the pitch for club and country. 

Okoye, currently with the Super Eagles at their training camp in Antalya, Turkey, ahead of Friday’s international friendly against Iran, shared his admiration during an interview organized jointly by Udinese and Lega Serie A as part of the “A Day with a Professional Football Player” program.

The initiative gives fans an exclusive glimpse into the daily life of professional footballers.

Reflecting on his experiences swapping shirts with opponents, Okoye singled out Osimhen for special mention.

“Then I have Osimhen’s shirt; he’s incredibly strong. Quality aside, he brings an energy to the pitch that no one else brings. He’s a special player,” Okoye said, as quoted by Tuttomercatoweb.

The comment emphasizes the respect he holds for his fellow Nigerian international, who is currently sidelined due to the injury he sustained against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League.

Okoye also opened up about his life at Udinese, describing the Italian club as an ideal environment for his development.

“I feel great here; it’s the perfect place for football. We’re lucky; we have an incredible training center. When I step onto the pitch, I feel something strong; I don’t know how to explain it.

“I want to stay in Italy; I love it. I love the language, the people. When I was little, I thought of this as a dream, and it still is,” he explained.

Okoye also shared his broader football interests and how he draws inspiration from leagues across Europe. He explained that his passion extends beyond Serie A, as he closely follows other top competitions.

“I watch a lot of football; besides Serie A, I like the Bundesliga and the Premier League. I support Fortuna Düsseldorf, Bayer Leverkusen, and Mönchengladbach. They have incredible youth facilities; even under 15, you live like a pro.

“There are no second teams there; you have to make the leap from the Under-19s to the first team,” he said.

As Nigeria prepares to face Iran in Antalya, Okoye’s insights offer a glimpse into not only his admiration for Osimhen but also his own journey toward becoming one of the continent’s top goalkeepers.

Wale Adejumo