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The Super Eagles shot-stopper believes Nigeria must be at their best to make the most of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has expressed his determination and optimism ahead of Nigeria's crucial AFCON 2025 qualifiers against the Benin Republic and Rwanda.
The Udinese shot-stopper, who has been in impressive form in Serie A this season, is eyeing a return to the number one spot for the national team.
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Okoye, known for his good looks and goalkeeping skills, emphasised the importance of the upcoming matches in a video shared by the Super Eagles on social media.
"Very important games upcoming," Okoye stated. "For sure there is also plan for a mental role but we are getting prepared for this now and for sure we would get the win because it is a very important qualifier and we have to be at our best and perform on our highest level."
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The matches come on the heels of a recent encounter between Nigeria and Benin Republic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, where the Super Eagles struggled under then-coach Finidi George.
That disappointing result led to George's resignation after just weeks at the helm as Nigeria’s World Cup fate now hangs by a thread.
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Now, with interim boss Augustine Eguavoen at the reins, Nigeria is looking to bounce back against the same opponents, managed by former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr.
Eguavoen, another Nigerian football legend, is tasked with correcting the course set by his former teammate Finidi.
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For Okoye, these qualifiers also present an opportunity to reclaim the starting goalkeeper position from Stanley Nwabali, who has held the role since his heroic performances in the AFCON 2023 tournament in Côte d'Ivoire.
All eyes will be on Okoye and his teammates to see if they can secure the vital wins needed to keep their AFCON 2025 qualification campaign on track.
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Nigeria host the Cheetahs in Uyo this weekend before flying out to take on the Amvubi of Rwanda in the second match days later.
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