Sports
Okoye Recalled To Super Eagles Squad For W’Cup Qualifiers After 2-Year Absence
- Maduka Okoye returns to the Super Eagles, replacing Francis Uzoho for the World Cup qualifiers.
- Ademola Lookman and Sodiq Ismail join the squad, while Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina are omitted.
- Okoye’s strong performances at Udinese secure his spot in the team.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been recalled to the Super Eagles by head coach Finidi George, replacing Cyprus-based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic on June 7 and 10.
Editor’s Pick
- Increase In Minimum Capital Requirements For Nigerian Banks
- Nigeria’s Big Bet: Boom Or Bust With Africa’s Biggest Refinery?
- Opinion!!! Democracy, Governance And Credible Elections (1)
On Friday, the Nigeria Football Federation released the 23-man squad for the upcoming games, featuring Europa League winner and Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.
These matches will be the first real tests for head coach Finidi George.
In addition to Okoye’s return, Remo Stars right back Sodiq Ismail received his first national team call-up.
Notable omissions from the squad include Taiwo Awoniyi, Ola Aina, Kenneth Omeruo, and William Troost-Ekong.
Okoye has been absent from the national team for over two years, with his last appearance for Nigeria occurring on January 23, 2022, against Tunisia in the 2021 AFCON round of 16.
In that match, his error led to Nigeria’s 1-0 defeat and subsequent exit from the tournament.
Since revitalizing his career with consistent performances for Udinese in Serie A, Okoye has replaced Uzoho among the three goalkeepers.
Joining him in camp are the new number one, Stanley Nwabali, and Enyimba goalkeeper Ojo Olorunleke, who will also compete for a starting spot.
Okoye has kept four clean sheets in 20 Serie A appearances this season.
Hence, earning several Man of the Match awards and being named Udinese Player of the Month a few times.
Further Reading
- Finidi, Eguavoen Hails Ademola Lookman UEL Final Heroic Display
- Golden Eaglets Advance To Semifinals, Compete For U-17 AFCON Spot
- Olanrewaju Succeeds Finidi As Enyimba Head Coach
As for Ismail, the defender has been impressive in the Nigeria Premier Football League this season, providing 12 assists in 30 matches.
Click here to watch our video of the week
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
