Maduka Okoye will be back with the Super Eagles when they face Guinea-Bissau in the 2023 AFCON double header in September this year, Completesports.com reports.
This was revealed by a member of the NFF’s Communications Department, Ayo Ibidapo.
Okoye has not featured for the Eagles since the 2021 AFCON round of 16 clash against Tunisia.
The Eagles lost the game 1-0 with Okoye heavily criticized for the defeat after failing to deal with a long range strike.
Since the defeat to Tunisia, Okoye missed the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Ghana and the friendly games with Mexico and Ecuador.
Also, he was part of the squad for the 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone and São Tomé and Principe.
Also Read: D’Tigers Lose To Cape Verde Again In 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers
Following his continued absence, there were unconfirmed reports that the Watford keeper, snubbed attempts by the new coaching crew led by Jose Peseiro to reach out to him.
Ibidapo, however, denied the claims stating that Okoye is even shocked by the allegations.
”Not true @OkoyeMaduka has ignored attempts by Coach Peseiro and his Tech. crew to reach out to him, contrary to reports. Okoye who has been speaking with @NGSuperEagles Team Admin, Dayo Enebi wondered where such emanated from. He’s available for selection for next set of games,” Ibidapo wrote on Twitter.
Okoye has since resumed with English Championship club Watford from Sparta Rotterdam ahead of the 2022/23 season.
He was impressive for Sparta Rotterdam as he helped them avoid relegation.
Guinea-Bissau will host the Eagles in the third round of the qualifiers before visiting Nigeria for the reverse fixture.
The Eagles top Group A on six points after recording wins against Sierra Leone and São Tomé and Principe.
Guinea-Bissau are second behind the Eagles after one win and a draw.
By James Agberebi
10 Comments
Good to hear this.
I believe with time, you and Uzoho will get there .
Uzoho
Okoye
Adeleye
More to come..
Well said Brotherman Sean. Uzoho and Okoye are good. They will get better. Heaven bless Uzoho and Okoye and all deserving Super Eagles goalkeepers.
GOD BLESS GENERAL ROAH wherever HE is for this DISCOVERY (OKOYE).
Amen!!!
@ monkey post!!!!!.
Lol.
Be like say you will get pvc for Rohr during next year election.
Lol…
Okoye must develop thick skin to play for Naija. The guy’s a goof goalie, but he must not be oversensitive to the yabis of Naija fans.
Yab dem back, man! Tell them you’ve made a mistake, but you’re working hard to correct things. Fan will clap for you. The SE fans like hard-working courageous players, not sisis who go gloomy because they’re criticised. Otherwise you’re better off signing for Germany.
goof ==> good
Is it developing thick skin or developing good goal keeping skill
Both. I suspect he gets too emotional, allowing the criticisms to affect him negatively. I alluded to improved skills in the light-hearted write-up.
He will come good with time. He’s a young goal tender. Goal keepers have long careers for a reason. ‘The older the wine the sweeter’ criticisms form part of the game if constructed genuinely but me think some section of our fans take it to a whole new level bordering on threats. I repeat, our young goal keeper’s shall come good with age and experience. We need to be patient with them.