Fortuna Dusseldorf of Germany goalkeeper Maduka Okoye says he couldn’t hide his emotions after making his debut for Nigeria in last Sunday’s international friendly match against five-time world champions, Brazil, reports Completesports.com.
Okoye took the place of injured Francis Uzoho in the 63rd minute of the thrilling encounter played at the Singapore National Stadium, Kallang.
He accustomed well to the occasion and helped shut out the star studded Brazilian side from scoring the winning goal despite relentless pressure in the second half.
“I thank God for the team and the opportunity I’ve gotten to play for the national side of our beloved country. I cried after the game. I shed tears when I spoke to my father and brother,” Okoye stated in an interview with Omasports.
“I didn’t expect to play, I was just sitting on the bench like the last time in Ukraine and I knew I’d have to wait for my chance. I didn’t know it will come so soon but things can be like that.”
The 20-year-old also expressed his delight at coming up against the Brazilians.
Okoye added: “I grew up watching Dida, he is a legend in Brazil and AC Milan and I felt great. I talked to Ederson and he is also one of my favourite goalkeepers. It’s crazy being on the same pitch with a goalkeeper you watch his videos on YouTube.”
17 Comments
Well done my brother… Is good u feel at home with Nigerian team where u belong to…more of that my guy..
I can draw so many parallels between Uzoho’s debut and Okoye’s debut. And it interests me so much that this guy is just 20.
Wow, I relish the tug of war we are set to witness in our goalkeeping department for another decade at the least.
If and only if Nigerians will be patient and allow these lads blossom in goal.
I must confess that I may have missed something. But I like this site because it combines reporting on Nigerian football along with some European games of interest. But was the friendly between Algeria and Colombia, in which Algeria beat the Colombians 3 – 0 reported here? I thought it was a very entertaining game. If the game was reported here, then I must have missed it. If not, is there any reason for that omission?
Mr man this site is called(complete sports Nigeria) not Algeria please,s o comment on the the title
That’s the essence of playing for your national team. You get to play against big boys by so doing your confidence will grow. I urge you to work hard, the ball is now on your court to make it to the big stage, starting by moving from your present club to a bigger on. I wish you good luck bro.
I noticed that this is not Senegal or EPL website either, but the game between Senegal and Brazil was covered as are many EPL games. There is an article about Guardiola targeting the CL championship. What does that have to do with Nigeria? Please let us read articles in this website before commenting. Besides I was only curious and asked a legitimate question.
I love this dude and his aerial back balance too is just that,he was a little shaky at first when just came on well,that I can call psychological imbalance which will be corrected with games to play for our great nation!i see this dude becoming a super star if he is monitored,given more opportunity to play games and a lot of encouragement even if there are some mistakes here and there!may God bless him for playing for his fatherland,big up brother,one love…
Talk about time and chance.What a way to get your debut. Okoye good one.hopefully many more good games for you and The Super Eagles .
And to digress from the report .
@Kweli
I think the Algeria and Colombia game wasn’t reported.
I guess for obvious reasons,they didn’t report it;
Not really one to draw the Nigerian customer’s interest. In other words ” E no concern Nigerians”..
It was a good game.streamed it myself. It showed me what I already know; Algeria is a good side.one with a good team right now. Colombia, a waning side losing momentum.
GOOD LUCK MY BROTHER MAY GOD BE WITH YOU IN FUTURE FOR SUPER EAGLES / WORK VERY HARD AS YOU KNEW THAT NIGERIA PRODUCE BEST GOAL KEEPERS IN AFRICA & IN THE WORLD I HOPE YOU WILL SOON BECOME ONE OF THE BEST AFRICA GOAL KEEPER/ KEEP IT UP AND WORK HARDER TO GET A BIGGER CLUB IN EUROPE TO SHOWCASE YOUR TALENT
Super Eagle is improving, thank God that they will go to the stage maturity,All the new boys are world stars May God continue to be with our loving Nigeria.
We thank Rohr for bringing this talented young man to play for his father land. He will, no doubt, be a bright goalkeeper with a huge future ahead.
What a humble way to show appreciation. Leave those that are waiting to be called by other European national teams, they will be waiting and watching you soaring with your national team, we are behind u my son. At least your father has shown us that we are still together with him by encouraging you to follow your route .
I also want to suggest that he join under 23, dream team. Like going to the Olympics with the team if they qualify. From there he will get more exposure.
My only worry for this guy now is Will Nigerian fans allow him mature in the team? cuz we had same Issue when Uzoho was called up. So many people came criticizing the Coach and the player every time! Thank God Coach GR never listened. Instead, he kept faith with Uzoho and made him what he is today. Now, Uzoho is injured and we can all fill his impact.
Maduka Okoye is a great deal. But don’t expect a ready made Keeper. Allow the Lad to grow! and before Uzoho returns, the boy would have been a main stay and we would have 2 solid Goal Keepers to our advantage
Humble guy! Good and sweet words!! All the best bros.
May you thrive well in your keeping endeavours.
May you find a better club to skyrocket you to the top of your footballing career.
May you become a real force to reckon with in goalkeeping for Super Eagles and the world at large.
May your hands be strong snd shoulder stronger to weather the storm of shots.
May you be injury immuned and grow in wealth of health.
May attackers find the goalpost too small to score as they view your eagle’s arms spread across the sticks.
May you stand tall and repel bullets of shots and innitiates multiple counterattacks for your dear teams – club and nation.
May you find your place in the sand of history and embarrassed with honours as you receive accolates far and near for service for your fatherland.
All these and more I pray for you. Amen!
Aauxtyne, you really showered blessings on this guy oooo! I understand where you’re coming from…..I’m a lover of humble people myself. This MADUKA OKOYE of a guy is soooooo humble. And the few minutes he played against Brazil has filled Nigerians with hope for the future. Between him and Uzoho, our goal post is safe for the next 10 years. Carry on, young eagle. We are all rooting for you!
It’s crazy being on the same pitch with a goalkeeper you watch his videos on YouTube.”
Hehehehehe! Well, as Chief Zebu would say – ARE YOU ARE!