“I’m patiently waiting” – Udinese’s Okoye eyes Super Eagles starting goalkeeping spot over Nwabali

Nigeria and Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Emilio Okoye, has revealed he has his gaze fixed on reclaiming his spot as the number one man in the middle of the sticks for the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The 25-year-old put his career back on track by claiming the starting spot for Udinese, even drawing interest from last season Serie A champions, Inter Milan.

He’s continued his solid form this season, keeping two clean sheets in seven games for Kosta Runjaic’s side. He’s also saved a spot kick from the three he’s faced this season.

After falling down the pecking order in the national team, following a blunder that cost the Super Eagles a quarter final spot during the AFCON 2021 tournament, the former Watford goalkeeper has revealed he wants to fight for his spot which is currently occupied by Stanley Nwabali.

“Of course, this is what I want, but I understand that Stanley set a high bar, especially with his performances at AFCON. I’m patiently waiting, focusing on training, and doing my best to impress the coaches,” the former Fortuna Dusseldorf man told Football Temple in quotes revealed by Brila.

Stanley Nwabali made his first senior appearance for Nigeria when they kicked their AFCON 2023 campaign off against Equatorial Guinea. The Chippa United goalkeeper went on to keep four clean sheets in seven games, and has started every game for the Super Eagles since then.