Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has spoken about howling in the last 16 clash against Tunisia at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Two minutes into the second half, Youssef Msakni shot from outside the penalty area, which Okoye should have done better, but couldn’t, and that resulted in a goal for Tunisia and led to Nigeria’s elimination from the tournament.
His howler did not go down well as he came under heavy scrutiny and has not appeared in any games for the Super Eagles since, but has been a substitute on five occasions.
Speaking to OmaSports TV about the incident, the German-born goalkeeper sadly spoke about the incident and revealed how he has moved on since.
“When I look back, I knew I had to do better. It hurts to this day. This is the first time I’m really talking about it,” said Maduka Okoye.
“It can be seen as a mistake because I had to keep the ball out of the goal.
“I don’t want things like this to happen because mistakes happen. We look back on a week when you see Manuel Neuer, one of the best things is making mistakes. You know it’s part of the game.
“It’s hard for me as a kid to go through what happened, and I’m not talking about what I heard and read on social media.
“It’s more about letting down your teammates, your family and your country. I don’t read what people write on social media.
“People still say bad things about Cristiano Ronaldo. People will always say bad things about you. I myself know that I didn’t do well in that situation, and I know that I let my country and my teammates down and I’m still sad about this day and I wish it had been different.
“But it happened and I learned from my mistakes. The most important thing was that I was able to move forward and I think I’m in a better position now than I was then.”
Okoye has also struggled with his club football, as he was unable to play regularly for Watford, which he joined after leaving Sparta Rotterdam, making just two appearances for the English team.
He has now resumed his career with Udinese and has been able to play a key role in helping the Italian team maintain their Serie A status.
This has led to him being linked with a move to defending Serie A champions Inter Milan, with the club in need of a back-up and potential replacement for Yann Sommer.
Asked about his link with the reigning Italian champions, the Nigerian goalkeeper said he was happy to be linked with the Italian giants but is looking forward to the new season with Udinese.
“As I said, Serie A is a very difficult championship. I am happy and grateful to be a Udinese player. There have been rumours, I know, that’s all.
“As a player, it is obvious that it is an honor to be associated with a great club.
“Whatever happens, I’m happy. I’m happy to be a Udinese player and I can’t wait to come back and start the new season in black and white.”
The 24-year-old also spoke about the quality of Serie A and stated that it is the second best League in Europe.
“A top-level championship. I haven’t played in many leagues, but I say that for me, after the Premier League, Serie A is the best championship.
“I had to adapt to many things, because it really is on another level. This country lives on football and I feel it every day and it is beautiful and it pushes you to work even harder.”
Abdulkareem Abdulhamid
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