Okoye explains AFCON 2025 absence

Maduka Okoye has explained why he declined an invitation to feature for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, reports Complete Sports.

The goalkeeper was a notable omission from the Nigeria national football team squad for the tournament held in Morocco.

Okoye, 26, began the 2025/26 season on the sidelines after serving a suspension linked to an alleged betting scandal.

The former Watford FC shot-stopper said he opted out of the tournament to focus on rebuilding his fitness following an extended period away from competitive football.

Read Also: Maduka Okoye set to return for Udinese after betting ban

He added that he also felt a responsibility to repay Udinese Calcio for the support shown to him during his time out.

“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 German publication Kicker.

Okoye has been included in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Iran and Jordan.

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