Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has revealed Brazilian goalkeeping legend Dida as his childhood idol, naming the former AC Milan star as the player he admired while growing up.
Asked on Snapchat whether he had a goalkeeping legend he looked up to as a youngster, the Udinese goalkeeper gave a brief response: “Dida.”
Dida spent a decade between the posts for AC Milan, winning the UEFA Champions League twice and representing Brazil at international level. His career in Italy also makes the former Brazilian international a fitting inspiration for Okoye, who currently plays in Serie A.
Okoye’s revelation comes as the goalkeeper returns to the Super Eagles setup following a controversial build-up to Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.
The Udinese goalkeeper was the only member of Nigeria’s 24-man squad who missed all training sessions between Tuesday and Thursday before arriving in Akwa Ibom on Friday morning, just hours before kick-off.
During his absence, pictures emerged showing Okoye in Italy alongside American rapper Cardi B at Milan Fashion Week, where he modelled Udinese’s new third kit. It was the second recent occasion the pair had been photographed together after also appearing at Paris Fashion Week in August.
His late arrival drew criticism from some Nigerian football commentators and supporters, with questions raised over his availability so close to a competitive international fixture.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, however, explained that Udinese had obtained permission for Okoye to participate in the commercial engagement.
With Okoye unavailable for training, Chelle handed the goalkeeping duties to Stanley Nwabali, who responded with an important one-on-one save as Nigeria fought back from a goal down to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo. Arthur Okonkwo served as the substitute goalkeeper.
Okoye has since returned to full training and is available for Nigeria’s second Group L qualifier against Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on Tuesday.
His return leaves Chelle with a decision to make over who will start between the posts as the Super Eagles look to maintain their winning start to the AFCON qualifying campaign.
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