Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye has revealed that his childhood idol is former Brazil and AC Milan goalkeeper Nelson Dida, whom he credits as a significant source of inspiration to his career.
Speaking in an interview with the Italian Football Podcast, Okoye shared that Dida was his role model growing up.
Dida, who spent a decade at AC Milan, collected an impressive array of silverware during his career, including a Serie A title, multiple UEFA Champions League trophies, and a FIFA Club World Cup.
Goalkeeper coach Dida of AC Milan. (Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Okoye described Dida as the best goalkeeper in the world and cited him as the reason for his early support of AC Milan.
“[My childhood idol] always Nelson Dida and never anyone else. I’ve never met him but I’ve had contact with him through other people, this makes me very happy,”
He continued “I grew up watching Dida, standing in goal thinking I am Dida, he has given me lots of motivation, for me he is the number 1 goalkeeper in the world.
“Maybe I need to watch what I say, but I always supported Dida’s Milan.”
Since becoming Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper, replacing Marco Silvestri in the latter half of the 2023/24 season, Okoye has stood out in Serie A.
Reflecting on his time at Udinese so far, he said that, “My first year was a little bit turbulent because I arrived at Udine from Watford. I didn’t play a lot at Watford; I was recovering from shoulder surgery. Luckily the Pozzo family gave me a chance here at Udinese.”
“I arrived as a second goalkeeper, but in 17 games I made it to the starting eleven. And then the journey started. I’m very happy with how things are going here.”
“I am very happy with my first season. It was crucial for us players and the club to stay up. Udinese has been in the Serie A for 30 years. I’m happy I could play a role to keep the club in Serie A, where the club belongs.”
On the international front, Okoye has returned to the Super Eagles squad but currently serves as a backup, with Stanley Nwabali occupying the first-choice goalkeeper spot.
He however remains eager to prove himself and earn back his position in the national team.
