The Digest:
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has revealed why he turned down an invitation to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, explaining that he chose to focus on regaining fitness and repaying Udinese for their support during a difficult period. The 26-year-old was sidelined at the start of the 2025/26 season following a suspension over his alleged involvement in a betting scandal. Okoye stated that since he was not Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper, he believed it was better to remain at Udinese and work on his form.Key Points:
- Okoye was a notable absentee from Nigeria's AFCON 2025 squad in Morocco.
- He was sidelined early in the 2025/26 season due to a suspension over an alleged betting scandal.
- The goalkeeper chose to stay with Udinese to regain fitness and show appreciation to the club for their support.
- He admitted he was not Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper at the time.
- Okoye has since returned to the Super Eagles squad for friendlies against Iran and Jordan.
As Okoye returns to the Super Eagles fold, his decision to prioritize club recovery over AFCON participation highlights the delicate balance players must strike between personal form and national team commitments.
Sources: Complete Sports
