Former Super Eagles goalkeeper and goalkeeping coach, Alloysius Uzoma Agu, has heaped praise on Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Emilio Okoye, claiming the Nigerian is one of the best in Africa, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 25-year-old turned his career around with Udinese last season, going from the second choice option to being number one between the Udine sticks.
This season, the former Sparta Rotherham man has kept three clean sheets and saved a spot kick in 11 league games for Udinese, and this caught Agu's attentions.
“It is difficult to take a starting spot at top European clubs, but Okoye has made it easy.
However, Maduka cannot afford to relax, he has to continue working hard. I have always known about his talent since his time at Dusseldorf. I saw his potential and brought him to the national team, despite not everyone believing in him. It is not a stroke of luck that he has risen through the ranks.
I think he is one of the best goalkeepers in Africa, not only because of his talent but also because of a combination of factors such as age and height. I brought both him and Nwabali to the national team. Nwabali made his debut against Mexico in Los Angeles, while Okoye against Brazil. I coached both of them. Having two quality goalkeepers for Nigeria is important.
At the moment, Nwabali is doing well and Okoye has to bide his time. Maduka has to play regularly and do well with Udinese, so that he is ready when he gets the chance to play for Nigeria too,” the 28-capped Nigerian goalkeeper said in an interview with Tutto Udinese.
Maduka Okoye has helped Udinese climb into 8th position on the Serie A table this term, which is progress, considering the club survived relegation by just two points last season.
