Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye vows to give everything as Udinese eye big 2026/27 season

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has set his sights on a strong 2026-27 season with Udinese, promising to give everything as the Italian club targets an improved campaign.

The 26-year-old enters the new Serie A season as Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper after establishing himself as one of the club’s key players last term. Okoye made 30 appearances and kept 10 clean sheets, further strengthening his position at the Bluenergy Stadium.

With pre-season preparations complete, the Nigerian international says the squad is ready to turn its hard work into results when competitive action begins.

“We’re ready. We’ve worked so hard over the past few weeks, and we’re all pumped up for the start of the season,” Okoye said in quotes reported by Tuttoudinese.

“We have our goals, and we want to try to achieve them. Personally, I want to give everything for Udinese, for the team, and for our fans.”

Okoye keeps football and fame separate

Okoye has also continued to attract attention away from the pitch, appearing at high-profile events and building his profile through fashion and other commercial engagements.

The former Watford and Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper, however, insists his growing popularity will not interfere with his football responsibilities.

“These things are part of my life and are also important for my personal branding,” he said.

“But I keep the two separate. Football is one thing; what I do off the pitch is another. When I’m here, I think about my work and Udinese.”

Goalkeeping competition reshaped

Udinese have made changes to their goalkeeping options ahead of the new campaign, with Edoardo Piana returning to the club following Alessandro Nunziante’s departure.

Veteran goalkeeper Daniele Padelli also remains with the squad, giving Okoye an experienced teammate to work alongside while Piana continues his development.

“We’re in good hands. Piana is a young goalkeeper and has great talent,” Okoye said.

“Then we have Padelli, who brings a lot of quality but, above all, immense experience. I’m excited to see how the boys develop,” he concluded.

Okoye’s performances for Udinese could also have major implications for his international ambitions. With the September 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers approaching, another consistent season in Serie A could strengthen his claim for the Super Eagles’ No. 1 shirt in what is increasingly becoming a competitive battle with Stanley Nwabali.