Udinese and Nigeria goalkeeper Okoye on UCL ambition, Serie A title race and 2026 World Cup

Udinese goalkeeper and Nigeria international Maduka Okoye has confirmed he is desperate to play in both the Champions League and at the World Cup, and has also opened up on his time in Serie A during an interview with the Italian Football Podcast.

Check out what the Nigeria international had to say.

Okoye on Serie A title, Udinese experience and working with Alexis Sanchez

How does Okoye see the Serie A title going?

“From the way it’s going Juve with Thiago Motta looks quite strong, but for sure Inter will also be a top candidate.”

Okoye is really pleased to have Alexis Sanchez as a new teammate.

“Unbelievable, I remember when he walked in the changing room the first time. I was sitting on my chair, I sit right at the beginning, I looked up and stood right up and shook his hand like I mean it is Alexis Sanchez. He is a legend of the game, not just a club legend at Udinese, but in the whole game.

“It’s a privilege and Im proud to be able to work with a legend like Alexis Sanchez.

Okoye explained that his favourite goalkeeper growing up played his football in San Siro.

“Always Nelson Dida and never anyone else [who was my childhood idol.] I’ve never met him but I’ve had contact with him through other people, this makes me very happy.

“I grew up watching Dida, standing in goal thinking I am Dida, he has given me lots of motivation, for me he is the number 1 goalkeeper in the world.

“Maybe I need to watch what I say [laughs], but I always supported Dida’s Milan.”

Picking the best goalkeeper from the current crop is easier said than done, though.

“Very difficult to say. The way I learn, when I study build up play I study Ter Stegen. When i study high exist I study Ederson. When I study saves I study Courtois. In different parts there are different goalkeepers.

“Difficult to say who is the best, but the most complete is Alisson, Neuer..I don’t want to answer this question [laughs].”

Opening up on his time with Udinese thus far, Okoyed said: “My first year was a little bit turbulent because I arrived at Udine from Watford. Didn’t play a lot at Watford, was recovering from a shoulder surgery. Luckily the Pozzo family gave me a chance here at Udinese.”

“I arrived as a second goalkeeper but in 17 games I made it to the starting eleven. And then the journey started. Im very happy how things are going here.”

“I am very happy with my first season. It was very important for us players and the club to stay up, Udinese has been in the Serie A for 30 years. Im happy I could play a role to keep club in Serie A where the club belongs.”

“We had strong fans behind us in tough times we made it on the last day.”

“For sure there are lots of areas I can improve. To reach the level I want to be, I have lots of things I can improve on. Im surrounded by a very good goalkeeping team at Udinese.”

Okoye on Champions League and World Cup dreams 

“For sure to one day play in the Champions League. I mean this is what we dream of growing up, this is the number 1 target.

“But I know I have to take things step by step, I have to work on a lot of things. But I also know that I can be there, so that’s why we all work hard.

“About the Premier League and England, I don’t know yet. I really like it in Italy I am very happy in Italy. I am learning the language and I want to spend more time here in Italy.”

The 2026 World Cup in North America is now less than two years away. Okoye is enjoying his time with the Super Eagles, even though he was eligible to represent Germany.

“Yeah, like you said we are in a difficult situation right now. But when we all meet up in the national team camp it’s a great vibe, family vibes. I’m sure that we will get to our goal.”

“We have a new coach, so we are looking forward to what’s coming. It would mean the world [to play for Nigeria at the World Cup]. I grew up watching the Super Eagles.”

“When my father came home from Nigeria, he always brought Okocha jerseys. To represent my fatherland is a dream. At a big tournament like world cup would be more special.”

“I never considered playing for Germany. It was always Nigeria. I grew up in Germany, but the house was Nigerian with my father the leader at home. I didn’t have to make a decision, it was always Nigeria.”

“Honestly, in general, not just our attackers, our squad is unbelievably strong but yeah as you mention our strikers, I have tough working days facing them.”

“To train with top strikers like them helps me learn.”