Peter Rufai urges Nigeria’s most expensive goalkeeper to ‘look elsewhere’ for first-team opportunities

The Nigerian international was one of the best shot-stoppers in the Eredivisie before he crossed over to England in the summer

Legendary Nigerian goalkeeper Peter Rufai has charged Super Eagles goalie Maduka Okoye to leave Watford and move to another club where he can be guaranteed first-team opportunities.

Okoye only joined Watford permanently in the summer after initially signing for the Hornets in January 2022. That deal believed to be worth €5 million, made the youngster the most expensive Nigerian goalkeeper in history.

But things have not gone as planned for Okoye in England with the 23-year-old condemned to being second choice at the Vicarage Road.

The ex-Fortuna Dusseldorf lad has not played for Watford in the Championship and has made only two appearances in cup competitions for the Golden Boys.

He was in goal on Saturday in his first showing in the FA Cup as Watford lost 0-2 at Reading to crash out of the world’s oldest club competition.

What has been said?

Okoye has previously hinted that he may consider a return to the Eredivisie in January.

And 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner Peter Rufai has backed that decision, insisting that playing regularly is guaranteed to make him a better shot-stopper.

“Okoye is a quality goalkeeper and I know if he’s given the chance he will definitely prove his worth,” Rufai told CompleteSports.

“However, it’s unfortunate that he has been considered for the bench despite his brilliant form for Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam.

“Yes, there is nothing bad if he decides to wait for his chance, but then it will be good for him to look elsewhere where he can be playing regularly.”

In two years at Sparta, Okoye played in 61 games, conceded 78 goals, and kept a clean sheet in 18 matches. He has conceded four goals in two games at Watford, though.