Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has expressed his satisfaction with life at Udinese, while also reflecting on his connection to Nigeria and ambitions with both club and country.

Speaking in an interview with SportyTV, the 26-year-old shot-stopper described his experience in Italy as a positive chapter in his career.

Now in his third season with the Serie A side, Okoye highlighted his comfort and happiness at the club.

Maduka Okoye said, “I'm fine, thank you. No, it's treating me very, very good. I'm very happy here. It's my third season already and, yeah, having a great time here.”

The goalkeeper also acknowledged the unwavering support he continues to receive from Nigerian fans despite playing his club football abroad.

He emphasized how much that backing has meant to him throughout his career, from his early days in Germany to his current stint in Italy.

Maduka Okoye said, “Yeah, a lot, a lot. It means a lot that Nigerians always support you, you know. It started in my days in Fortuna Düsseldorf to Rotterdam and now in Udine, and they were always there. They support always from back home, and it means a lot. I'm very grateful and thankful.”

Looking ahead, Okoye outlined his personal ambitions, stressing his desire to continually improve and help his club achieve the best possible finish.

Maduka Okoye said, “As an athlete, I want to get the best out of myself. This is my goal. This is my dream. And, with this club, I want to finish the season as high as possible in the best way possible, and then, yeah, we see step by step.”

The former Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper also spoke about his strong ties to Nigeria, crediting his upbringing and family influence for maintaining a deep connection to his heritage.

Maduka 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.”

On his decision to represent Nigeria internationally, Okoye revealed that it had always been a clear choice for him, despite having experience with German youth teams.

Maduka Okoye said, “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”.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which he followed from home, the goalkeeper admitted disappointment at falling short of the title.

Maduka Okoye said, “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.”

Addressing Nigeria’s struggles on the global stage, particularly in World Cup qualification, Okoye acknowledged the team’s quality but admitted uncertainty over the challenges faced.

Maduka Okoye said, “National team football is a different kind of football, and the answer might be in the World Cup. 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.”

After missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria secured a bronze medal, Okoye has now earned a recall to the Super Eagles squad.

He has been named in the 23-man list for upcoming international friendly matches against Iran and Jordan later this month in Antalya, Turkey.

Wale Adejumo