Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, has set his sights on a strong 2026-27 campaign with Udinese, insisting he is ready to give everything to help the Italian club achieve its objectives.
The 26-year-old enters the new Serie A season as Udinese’s first-choice shot-stopper after an impressive campaign in Italy, where he kept 10 clean sheets in 30 appearances.
With pre-season preparations completed, Okoye said the Udinese squad is motivated and eager to begin the new campaign.
Speaking about the mood within the Udinese camp, the 26-year-old revealed that the players are eager to get the season underway after weeks of hard work during pre-season.
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“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 revealed 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.”
The former Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper has grown into a key figure at the Bluenergy Stadium since joining the club and will be expected to play a leading role as Udinese look to improve on their performances from last season.
Away from football, Okoye has become one of Nigeria’s most recognisable football off-pitch personalities, making appearances at high-profile events, including Formula One races and fashion-related engagements during the summer.
However, the Super Eagles goalkeeper stressed that his off-pitch activities do not distract him from his responsibilities as a professional footballer.
“These things are part of my life and are also important for my personal branding,” the former Watford goalkeeper explained.
“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.”
Udinese’s goalkeeping unit has undergone changes ahead of the new season, with Edoardo Piana returning to the club following Alessandro Nunziante’s departure, while veteran Daniele Padelli remains part of the squad.
Okoye believes the club is well-equipped in the goalkeeping department and is looking forward to working alongside both players.
“We’re in good hands. Piana is a young goalkeeper and has great talent,” the Nigerian international 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,” Maduka Okoye concluded.
The Super Eagles star will now hope to translate his confidence into performances on the pitch as Udinese begin their quest for a successful 2026-27 campaign.
Solid performances from here on in can see Okoye edge Stanley Nwabali in the race for the Super Eagles number 1 shirt ahead of the September AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
