Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has shed light on the deep-rooted reasons behind his decision to represent Nigeria despite his German upbringing.
In a candid interview with SportyTV, the 26-year-old Udinese shot-stopper reflected on his journey from the Bundesliga youth ranks to becoming a mainstay in the Nigerian national team.
Though he featured for German youth selections early on, Okoye insisted his heart was always with the Super Eagles.
“I always knew I wanted to play for Nigeria,” he stated, crediting his father’s influence for his strong cultural ties. “I grew up in Germany, but my father was very, very present in my life…
I keep a lot of Nigerian inside of me, and I’m very proud of it.”Currently enjoying his third season in Serie A, Okoye expressed gratitude for the global support of Nigerian fans, noting they have followed him from Düsseldorf to Rotterdam and now Italy.
As he prepares for upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan, the goalkeeper remains focused on his “dream” of reaching the pinnacle of the game.