‘I support Bayer Leverkusen’ – Nigeria GK Okoye sends transfer hint to Inter, AC Milan

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has spoken openly about his future, revealing a deep admiration for German football, Afrik-Foot reports.

However, Okoye, born in Düsseldorf to a German mother, has made it clear that his heart remains firmly set on staying in Italy, where he has made his home for the past three years.

The former Watford shot-stopper, who is currently with the Super Eagles in Antalya ahead of friendly matches against Iran and Jordan, used a media session organised by his club and Serie A to reflect on his career, his influences and what comes next.

Okoye did not hide his connection to Germany, where he grew up and developed as a player. He named several clubs he still follows closely and praised the country’s football structure.

“I watch a lot of football; besides Serie A, I like the Bundesliga and the Premier League,” Okoye said as per TMW.

“I support Fortuna Düsseldorf, Bayer Leverkusen, and Mönchengladbach. They have incredible youth facilities; even under 15, you live like a pro.

“There are no second teams there; you have to make the leap from the Under-19s to the first team.”

Okoye was at different times registered at the youth academies of Fortuna Düsseldorf, Bayer Leverkusen, and Mönchengladbach. Despite that strong connection, the 26-year-old was quick to emphasise that he sees his future in Italy.

“I feel great here; it’s the perfect place for football. We’re lucky; we have an incredible training center. When I step onto the pitch, I feel something strong; I don’t know how to explain it.

“I want to stay in Italy; I love it. I love the language, the people. When I was little, I thought of this as a dream, and it still is.”

Those words are likely to catch the attention of clubs such as Inter Milan, AC Milan and Torino who have been linked with the Nigerian international in recent months.

Okoye hails ‘special’ Osimhen

Away from transfer talk, Okoye also took time to praise his international teammate Victor Osimhen, who will miss Nigeria’s upcoming friendlies due to injury.

The goalkeeper spoke warmly about the Napoli striker’s influence, both in terms of ability and the energy he brings to the pitch.

“Then I have Osimhen’s shirt; he’s incredibly strong. Quality aside, he brings an energy to the pitch that no one else brings. He’s a special player.”

Osimhen is unavailable for Nigeria as the Super Eagles prepare to face Iran and Jordan in Turkey, where Okoye and his teammates are already in camp. The forward’s injury, picked up in a recent European fixture, means the Super Eagles will have to cope without one of their most important attacking threats.

Head coach Eric Chelle is likely to turn to either Akor Adams or Paul Onuachu to lead Nigeria’s attack in the absence of the Galatasaray striker.

Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon will provide the other attacking ammunition as the Super Eagles look to claim their first-ever win over Iran on Friday.