Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has played down speculation about a possible move away from Italian Serie A side Udinese despite reported interest from clubs in Germany, England, France and Turkey. The 26-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign with Udinese, keeping 10 clean sheets in 30 league appearances as the club secured a top-half finish in Serie A. His performances for the club, alongside his recent displays for Nigeria in international friendlies against Poland and Portugal ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have reportedly attracted attention from several European clubs.
Okoye Remains Fully Committed to Udinese
Despite the growing interest, Okoye insisted he remains fully committed to Udinese, where he is under contract until 2028. “I am really very happy at Udinese and I really appreciate the association, all the employees, the beautiful city that has become my second home, and the people very much,” he told Transfermarkt. “Also the peace and routine I found here. Of course, I still have goals in my career, but currently my head is complete at Udinese. I enjoy it without thinking too much about the future. In football things can change quickly and if it happens, I know that the club is well positioned and I can still earn him a nice replacement. But until then, I’m 100 percent Udinese professional.”
Interest from Top European Leagues
Reports indicate that clubs from Europe's top leagues, including the Bundesliga, as well as teams in the Turkish Süper Lig, have made enquiries through the goalkeeper’s representatives. However, Okoye said he remains focused on his football and leaves transfer matters to his management team. “It is a good push for me as a person to know that you are in demand and that one or the other club is on the list. However, I leave this to my advisors, where I am in outstanding hands with Gabriele Giuffrida and Co. That’s their part and I have absolute confidence in their work,” he said.
National Team Prospects
Okoye’s recent performances have strengthened his case to become Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, which begins in September. The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group L alongside Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
