‘Serie A remains one of the best leagues in the world’ – Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has opined that Italy’s Serie A remains one of the best leagues in the world, expressing pride and happiness in competing at such a high level.

The Nigerian international, who recorded 10 clean sheets over 30 league appearances in the previous season for Udinese, made this known in an interview with The Guardian.

He noted that he aims to push for higher finishes with his club next season while maintaining international ambitions with the Super Eagles.

“Everything is possible,” Okoye told The Guardian.

“But I think we should talk about that again in February or March. First we have to get the basics right and take it game by game. Then we’ll see where we are.

“We certainly have the quality, the players, an excellent staff, and a solid club behind us. Udinese is a club where a player can really grow and make that leap in quality.

“For me, Serie A remains one of the best leagues in the world and I’m grateful to be part of it. The higher the level of the league, the happier and prouder I am to play in it. We’re working hard and can’t wait to compete against the best.”

Okoye also expressed admiration for Spain’s Unai Simón at the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting that top-tier goalkeeping relies heavily on composure, situational management, and attention to detail rather than just flashy shot-stopping.

“I found Spain’s Unai Simón very impressive, especially towards the final stages,” Okoye said. “Not so much for making hundreds of saves, but for the way he remained inside the game, defending deep balls against France. For me, that was goalkeeping of the highest level.”