Maduka Okoye has explained the reason behind his decision to decline invitation to feature at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, NEWSUNPLUG reports
Okoye was a surprise omission from Nigeria’s squad to the competition which was hosted by Morocco.
The 26-year-old missed the start of the 2025/26 season due to suspension for his alleged involvement in a betting scandal.
The former Watford goalkeeper said he took the decision to opt out of the AFCON to work on his fitness following his absence from competitive football.
Okoye further stated that it was also important for him to repay Udinese for standing by him during his absence.
“Since I was not Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, I believed it was better to remain at Udinese, work on my form, and also show appreciation to the club for standing by me during a difficult period,” he told Kicker.
Okoye is expected to be in goal when the Super Eagles take on Iran in an international friendly in Antalya, Turkey on Friday (today).