Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has vowed to battle the team’s starting shirt with Stanley Nwabali while admitting that he is not yet on the same level as his teammate.
Okoye was impressive for the Super Eagles in the 1-1 draw against Russia on Friday, making three stunning saves to deny the hosts.
It was his first start for the team after his error-prone performance against Tunisia at the 2021 Nations Cup.
The Udinese goalkeeper had struggled for consistency in the past, and took a break from the team after the backlash that followed his performance in the encounter.
However, he has been able to rebuild his career with impressive performances for Udinese which earned him a return to the national team.
He has now revealed his desire to fight for a shirt with Stanley Nwabali, who has been a revelation for the Super Eagles since the 2023 Nations Cup.
Okoye said: “Of course, we know what Nwabali has done for our country. He’s a very good goalkeeper and I think he deserves it because I never got to the level I have with the Super Eagles . “I never brought my quality to the game, unfortunately. I haven’t reached that point yet. I pray and hope to achieve the same level of success with the national team as I have at club level because I think there’s nothing greater than defending the goal of a country, especially a country like Nigeria.
“So, I really hope that I get to my level and he deserves to play right now, but I think there are always going to be some chances and opportunities, and I just have to be ready when they’re coming.”
Okoye also admitted that the Russian national team gave Nigeria a hard time in the friendly match on Friday.
He said: “The Russian team showed a very high level. We had to give it our all to play on equal terms with them. I think it was a great match for the fans.
“The balls were a little easier than usual. But overall, everything was fine. I really liked the atmosphere at the stadium.”
Okoye made his debut for the Super Eagles as a substitute in a friendly match against Brazil ending 1–1 in October 2019.
Up next for the Super Eagles is a World Cup qualifiers clash against South Africa, and Rwanda in September.
