Okoye votes for consistency, extends Udinese stay past 2026 World Cup

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Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has solidified his future with the Italian club by signing a new contract that will keep him with the Bianconeri until the summer of 2028.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper joined Udinese from Watford last summer in a transfer valued at approximately €2 million and has since become a key figure between the posts for the Serie A side.

Initially, Okoye faced challenges breaking into the starting lineup, spending 16 consecutive Serie A games as a non-playing substitute. However, he seized his opportunity in his debut match against Bologna, where he delivered a clean sheet in a commanding 3-0 victory.

Maduka Okoye votes for consistency, extends Udinese stay past 2026 World Cup
Photo by IMAGO

That performance marked the beginning of his rise to become Udinese's first-choice goalkeeper: throughout the 2023-2024 season, Okoye played 21 league matches, recording five clean sheets and contributing significantly to Udinese's successful battle against relegation.

His impressive form did not go unnoticed, earning him a recall to the Super Eagles squad for the June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin Republic and South Africa, although he did not feature in those games.

New contract ends Maduka Okoye transfer speculation

Amid interest from Serie A champions Inter Milan and Torino, Maduka Okoye has chosen to extend his stay with Udinese, penning a new deal that ties him to the club until June 2028.

This contract extension reflects the club’s confidence in the Nigeria international's abilities.

Okoye's commitment to Udinese puts an end to speculation surrounding his future, as he looks to build on his successful debut season. With two clean sheets already this season, the German-born Nigerian goalkeeper is off to a strong start, and will be a vital part of Udinese's ambitions moving forward.

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Toyosi Afolayan

Toyosi Afolayan is a sports journalist who breathes life into the games we love. He loves to combine insightful analysis with historical background, creating a richer understanding of sports. Afolayan's expertise ranges from captivating narratives to live broadcasts, captivating audiences across platforms like Ojbsport, AllNigeriaSoccer, TVC Entertainment, Bounce Networks, Kwara TV, ICIR, EaglesTracker, and NFF TV. His background in History and International Studies adds depth, revealing the connections between sports, politics, and national identity.