Super Eagles’ Okoye Dismisses Transfer Talk, Vows to Stay at Udinese

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has affirmed his commitment to Udinese for the upcoming season, despite reported interest from Serie A rivals Juventus and Inter Milan, following an impressive campaign that has placed the 26-year-old on the radar of top European clubs.

Okoye recorded ten clean sheets in 30 league appearances for Kosta Runjaic’s side during the 2025/2026 season, helping Udinese secure a top-half finish in the Italian Serie A. His performances at club level, combined with displays in Nigeria’s friendly matches against Poland and Portugal ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have attracted attention from several clubs.

The Germany-born Nigerian international, who has 21 caps for the Super Eagles, is currently valued at €10 million by Transfermarkt and has two years remaining on his contract with Udinese.

In a previous interview with Transfermarkt, Okoye addressed the speculation surrounding his future, stating that his focus remains firmly on his current club.

“Of course, I still have goals in my career, but currently my head is complete at Udinese,” Okoye said.

“I enjoy it without thinking too much about the future. In football things can change quickly and if it happens, I know that the club is well positioned and I can still earn him a nice replacement. But until then, I’m 100 percent Udinese professional,” he added.

Okoye has since returned to pre-season training with Udinese after a summer that included attending a Formula 1 event and sharing the stage with American rapper Cardi B at a fashion event in Paris.

Speaking after unveiling Udinese’s jersey for the 2026/2027 season, Okoye expressed enthusiasm for the campaign ahead.

“I’m happy to be here,” Okoye said in quotes revealed by Tuttomercatoweb. “We’re happy to be here with the fans, and we can’t wait to get started.”

The goalkeeper will now aim to build on last season’s performances before linking up with Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles side for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September, where he is expected to compete with Stanley Nwabali for the No. 1 shirt.

Udinese will begin their 2026/2027 campaign with a Coppa Italia fixture against Serie B side Padova on August 15.

For Juventus and Inter Milan, Okoye’s comments suggest they may need to explore alternative options in their search for new goalkeepers ahead of the new season.