“Anger and fear” – ex-Super Eagles star explains why Okoye didn’t play in recent Super Eagles games

The Watford goalkeeper hasn’t been between the sticks for Nigeria since his unfortunate mistake led to the Super Eagles exit from the 2021 AFCON

Maduka Okoye was a victim of vile social media attacks when his blooper cost the team in Cameroon.

Ever since, he has been unable to team up with the national team, first reportedly a result of COVID-19 and secondly, a shoulder injury.

Okoye is however back in the camp of the Super Eagles on Constantine, Algeria as he battles to reclaim his number 1 spot.

A former Super Eagles and West Brom star, Ifeanyi Udeze said the player may have excused himself from national team duties because he got angry and afraid after the attacks.

“The medical report from his club then in Holland stated that he had a shoulder injury which saw him miss a lot of games,” Udeze said  on a Brila FM show.

“Anger and fear could also have led to his not being available because he was not born here. He was born abroad and over there, they have ways they do things.

“He (Maduka Okoye) was threatened. You don't blame him. That's where the anger and fear as well came from,” the former Nigeria international stated.

What I will do if asked to convince a player of Nigerian descent – Udeze

The former Panathinaikos star said if he’s ever offered an opportunity to convince a player of Nigerian descent, he will be straight to the point and will not patronise anyone.

“Despite my opinion, should I be sent to a player of Nigerian descent abroad to convince him to play for the Super Eagles, we could go to a Cafeteria or restaurant.

“Simple, over a bottle of drink or meal, I will not sugar-coat it, I will be blunt:” Bros, they (NFF) asked me to speak with you about the possibility of playing for Nigeria. Are you in?

“If the player say yes, fantastic, if he says no, we shake hands, I pay my bills, he pays his bill and we leave,” he said.