Super Eagles goalkeeper’s first FA Cup appearance ends in disappointment

The Nigeria international has a hundred per cent losing record when wearing the Gold and Black colours of the Hornets

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye endured a disappointing afternoon as he could not help Watford avoid crashing out of the FA Cup on Saturday.

Making his first-ever appearance in the world’s oldest cup competition, Okoye started in goal for Watford as the Golden Boys fell to a 2-0 defeat at Reading.

Watford manager Slaven Bilic also named Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and young Nigerian forward Joseph Mayowa Hungbo in his starting lineup at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

But goals from Kelvin Abrefa and veteran striker Shane Long were enough to hand Femi Azeez’s Reading a home win and knock Watford out of the FA Cup.

Okoye would particularly be disappointed in the result as it is the second loss in as many games for Watford.

The former Sparta Rotterdam goalie only teamed up with Watford in the summer after signing for the club in January.

But he has been the Hornets’ second-choice goalkeeper in the Championship with his two caps coming in the cup competitions.

He has not fared well in those as well, as his first match for Watford ended in a 0-2 home loss to Milton Keynes Dons in the League Cup back in August.

Saturday’s outing is his second appearance for Slaven Bilic’s men and his first in the FA Cup.