Maduka Okoye: What Udinese goalkeeper must do in Nigeria’s friendly against Portugal

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has left the Nigerian football fanbase divided with his performance in the 2-2 draw against Poland on Wednesday, Afrik Foot reports.

The 26-year-old made several saves against the White and Reds, particularly denying Robert Lewandowski a 90th goal for Poland on three occasions.

While there wasn’t much he could do to stop the first goal from going into the back of the net, the second goal, a long-range strike from Przemyslaw Wisniewski, has stirred several opinions in the Nigerian football space.

Look at what some people wanted Maduka Okoye to catch? 😭😭

See swaving 😭
pic.twitter.com/frls7iqijJ

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) June 3, 2026

Some fans believe he couldn’t have saved the strike, while others opine that his reaction was late.

Super Eagles goalkeeper tells Maduka Okoye what to do against Portugal

Following the reactions, former Enyimba International goalkeeper Noble John urged his international compatriot to shun the noise and focus on the upcoming friendly clash against Portugal next Wednesday.

“In goalkeeping, every single game is completely different,” the 32-year-old said in an interview with Footy Africa.

“If you have a great game today, the next match might bring entirely different challenges, or you might barely see one or two balls come near your post,” Noble concluded.

Can Okoye influence Nigeria’s performance against Portugal?

Portugal house one of the best attacks in the world, and whoever starts in goal for Nigeria has to be at the top of his game, and mentally astute.

Okoye isn’t new to criticism. The German-born Nigerian took a three-year break from the national team after committing an error in the AFCON 2021 tournament, which knocked the Super Eagles out.

He’s done well to overcome the effect of that, claiming he wants to be the number one spot in Eric Chelle’s lineup, and with a spot available to fight for in the friendly games, Okoye has to step up regardless of whatever is being said about him.

The former Watford goalkeeper hit the 20-cap mark for the Super Eagles against Poland, and will be looking to add many more, until Stanley Nwabali returns to the fold to tighten competition for spaces.