Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has described Italy’s Serie A as one of the best football leagues in the world, saying he is proud and grateful to compete at such a high level.
The Nigerian goalkeeper made the remarks in an interview with The Guardian after an impressive campaign with Udinese, where he kept 10 clean sheets in 30 league appearances last season.
Okoye said his immediate priority is to help Udinese achieve a better finish next season while continuing to pursue his ambitions with the Super Eagles.
“Everything is possible,” Okoye told The Guardian.
“But I think we should talk about that again in February or March. First, we have to get the basics right and take it game by game. Then we’ll see where we are.
“We certainly have the quality, the players, an excellent staff, and a solid club behind us. Udinese is a club where a player can really grow and make that leap in quality.
“For me, Serie A remains one of the best leagues in the world, and I’m grateful to be part of it. The higher the level of the league, the happier and prouder I am to play in it. We’re working hard and can’t wait to compete against the best.”
The 26-year-old also singled out Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón for praise following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, noting that elite goalkeeping goes beyond spectacular saves.
According to Okoye, Simón impressed him with his composure, awareness and ability to remain focused throughout matches, particularly when dealing with long balls against France.
“I found Spain’s Unai Simón very impressive, especially towards the final stages,” Okoye said.
“Not so much for making hundreds of saves, but for the way he remained inside the game, defending deep balls against France. For me, that was goalkeeping of the highest level.”
