Maduka Okoye reacts after being recalled for 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has reacted after he was invited by George Finidi for the forthcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying games against South Africa and Benin Republic.
The former Watford goaltender, who reacted to his invitation in a chat with his club’s official website after Udinese’s recent win over Frosinone on Sunday, said that he is happy to return to the national team after a very long time out.
The talented player also noted during the one-on-one session that it is a great honour for him and my family to play for Nigeria whenever he is invited to adorn the national colours.
“I am very happy to return to the national team. It is a great honour for me and my family to play for Nigeria. But in the meantime, Alé Udin!”
Okoye also lauded his teammate for securing their Serie A top flight for another season after securing a vital win against Frosinone on the last day of the Serie A season.
He continued, “For the city, for the team. Playing in Serie A is very important for the city and the club. I’m happy; I’m feeling a lot of emotions right now.”
“It was important for us to give a nice permanence, wasn’t it to Father Gianpaolo Pozzo? It’s important for me, I can still work on many things.
“I have a great coach, I will definitely improve further in the future.”
Recall that in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Nigeria’s head coach, Finidi George, selected 23 players, including African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, safe hands Stanley Nwabali, and sensational Ademola Lookman, to compete against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic.
See full list below;
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC).
Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Sadiq Ismael (Remo Stars FC); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Ihefu SC, Tanzania).
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey).
Forwards: Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France).
