Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has reached a career milestone, with his market value now hitting €7.5 million following the latest update from Transfermarkt, Soccernet.ng reports.
This is the highest valuation the Udinese shot-stopper has achieved in his young career, marking a steady rise since his debut for the Super Eagles.
The German-born Okoye first stepped into the spotlight when he debuted for Nigeria against Brazil in October 2019.
At that time, he was valued at just €150,000 and was fighting for recognition at Fortuna Düsseldorf.
In 2020, Okoye made a pivotal move to Sparta Rotterdam, becoming Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper and boosting his market value to €1 million.
January 2022 saw Okoye sign with Watford, completing the €5 million transfer that summer — a move that made him the most expensive Super Eagles goalkeeper in history.
However, his time in England didn’t unfold as anticipated, with limited opportunities in the Championship with Watford.
Fortunately, Watford transferred him to their sister club Udinese in Italy in August 2023, reportedly for a €6 million fee.
Okoye quickly established himself as Udinese’s first-choice keeper, playing a critical role in helping the club avoid relegation from Serie A last season.
Despite losing his starting spot with the Super Eagles to Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali, Okoye remains Udinese’s primary keeper this term.
So far, he has appeared in all nine of Udinese's Serie A matches, recording three clean sheets and conceding just 11 goals, with one penalty save from three attempts.
These accomplishments have undoubtedly contributed to his increasing market value. At €7.5 million, Okoye now ranks as the fourth most valuable African goalkeeper in the world.
He trails Cameroon and Manchester United star André Onana, who tops the list at €35 million.
Morocco and Al-Hilal’s Bono is second, valued at €9 million, while Senegal and Al-Ahli’s Edouard Mendy holds third place at €8 million. Rounding out Africa’s top five is Cape Verde and Vitória Guimarães keeper Bruno Varela, valued at €4 million.
So why is he not Nigeria’s number one ?
Nwabali is good but is he really better than Okoye
Do we have to wait for a disaster before realising who is really better ?
Nwabali is ok for eagles as the first choice goalkeeper for now
Okoye ….Nwabili ……….come on! we are getting a glut of super keepers for the national team. When it was disaster prone with Uzoho we prayed and kept quiet but now pls no quarrels we are good to go. however playing them alternatively would be good and not benching one till he grows grey hairs.
Okoye’s rise is great news for Nigerian football! Having such a highly valued keeper in a top European league could inspire more young Nigerian goalkeepers to aim for similar achievements.