Okoye rules out Udinese exit

Maduka Okoye, the Nigerian international goalkeeper for the Super Eagles, has dismissed rumors of a potential move away from Udinese ahead of the upcoming transfer window, according to reports from PUNCH Sports Extra. The 26-year-old, who has represented Nigeria in 21 matches, has ruled out leaving the Italian club this summer despite growing interest from several top-tier European teams, including Juventus, which operates in Italy's Serie A. Okoye played a key role during the 2024-25 Serie A season, contributing to Udinese's successful campaign with 10 clean sheets in 30 league appearances. His consistent performances helped the team secure a top-half finish in the league standings under manager Kosta Runjaic. Additionally, Okoye's standout displays during Nigeria's pre-World Cup friendly matches against Poland and Portugal further elevated his profile among European clubs. Despite the attention from major clubs, Okoye emphasized that his focus remains entirely on Udinese. Speaking to Transfermarkt, he stated, “Of course, I still have goals in my career, but currently my head is complete at Udinese. I enjoy it without thinking too much about the future.” He added that while football is unpredictable, he believes Udinese is well-positioned to find a suitable replacement should circumstances change. “Until then, I am 100 percent Udinese professional,” he said. After spending part of his summer break participating in a Formula One event and making an appearance with American rapper Cardi B at a Paris-based fashion show, Okoye has returned to Udinese for pre-season training. The player expressed satisfaction with his current situation, stating, “I am happy to be here. We are happy to be here with the fans, and we cannot wait to get started,” as quoted by Tuttomercatoweb following Udinese's unveiling of their 2026/27 season jersey. Okoye is set to join the Nigerian national team for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, starting in September. During these matches, he aims to assert himself as the preferred choice for the number one position, especially with the return of Stanley Nwabali to Chippa United. The competition for the starting role will be crucial as Nigeria prepares for the tournament. Udinese will kick off their 2026/27 campaign with a Coppa Italia match against Serie B side Padova on August 15. For Okoye, the coming months represent an opportunity to build on his solid performance last season and continue his development within the club. With pre-season training already underway, the goalkeeper is focused on maintaining his form and contributing to Udinese’s success in the new season.