Sports
Maduka Okoye Sets His Sights on Strong Udinese Campaign
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is targeting a successful 2026/27 season with Udinese after completing preparations for the new Serie A campaign...
By Wavers Multimedia
The 26-year-old enters the season as Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper after making 30 appearances last season and keeping 10 clean sheets.
With the new campaign approaching, Okoye said the Udinese squad is motivated and ready to begin after weeks of pre-season work.
“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,” he said.
Okoye added that the team has set targets for the campaign and that he wants to contribute as much as possible to achieving them.
“Personally, I want to give everything for Udinese, for the team, and for our fans,” the Nigerian goalkeeper said.
Okoye has become an important figure at Udinese since joining the club and is expected to retain his place between the posts as the Italian side looks to improve its performances.
The club’s goalkeeping department has also changed ahead of the new season. Edoardo Piana has returned to Udinese following Alessandro Nunziante’s departure, while experienced goalkeeper Daniele Padelli remains with the squad.
Okoye welcomed the competition and praised both goalkeepers, describing Piana as a talented young player and Padelli as someone whose experience will be valuable to the team.
Away from football, Okoye has attracted attention through appearances at major sporting and fashion events. However, he said his activities outside football do not interfere with his responsibilities at Udinese.
“For me, football is one thing; what I do off the pitch is another. When I’m here, I think about my work and Udinese,” he said.
The new Serie A season will give Okoye another opportunity to strengthen his position at club level and push for the Super Eagles’ No. 1 spot ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.