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Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, has explained his decision to commit his international future to Nigeria over his country of birth, Germany.
Okoye who was eligible to play for Germany as well as Nigeria had not been to Nigeria, where his dad hails from, for fourteen years prior to his invitation to the Super Eagles for last November's 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin and Lesotho.
Gernot Rohr afforded Okoye the opportunity to make his international debut when he played the last 27 minutes of Nigeria's 1-1 draw with Brazil in Singapore on October 13, 2019, a memory he had to even tattoo on his hand because of his love for his country.
Okoye, 20, has now revealed what made him to choose Nigeria over Germany.
He told Eagles Tracker : "Simply the love for Nigeria and the way I grew up, it was an easy decision.
"It's always being a dream to play for Nigeria, the chance came and I took it directly. There was no second I wanted to waste."
He also said he wants to follow in the footsteps of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama while praising German-born player Leon Balogun for taking him under his wings when he earned his maiden call-up for a friendly against Ukraine last September.
"I admire Vincent Enyeama, he's a legend. What he has done for this country, he's an idol. I am looking up to him and I want to do things for Nigeria he has done, that's why I'm looking up to him."
"Leon Balogun because he is also half-German and he's like a big brother, he told me everything and he introduced me to everyone very well.
"Now we are a big family, every player is like a brother to me. I am learning everyday from every player when I'm with the Eagles. It's a blessing to be part of this team," said Okoye.
My cute Igbo blood. We believe in you. #kachi
Fresh Igbo boy with Isi Agu on his body. May you attain your Best dream bro.Igbo amaka worldwide. #umu Igbo fuanu onwe unu na anya#.
You are true son of your father, think Nigeria first, thanks for your service, thanks Leon Balogun and every other eagles who choose Nigeria against foreign countries, you guy did well
Dude is damn tooooooooo cute. My Igbo brothers can fine shaaaa
Fresh dude
LIB Girls will not allow this cutie to rest now.. My brother don't mind them
VEEKEE FRESH, allow us admire our brother biko.
Omalicha.. Name because of you oooo.. U know u be my real real.. Omalicha, where is my love💖💖. @Nkiru MBA
This guy is hot, wetin.
We wish him all d best haters were una, dey,una no like better tin
He made a wrong choice which he will regret later.
My thought as well, Nigeria is a bad place, may God help him in his decision
I pledge to watch Nigerian matches because of you and only if you're the keeper. You gorgeous eye candy! I don speak my mind! If you dislike my comment, shame on you!
Prostitutes everywhere
It isn’t a good decision bro, every thing about Nigeria football system sucks,
I wish the very best in your career and decisions. That's my new hairstyle you are carrying.
Igbo Ndioma
Please try itnyounwill.not regrets been a Nigerian even if we not praying for you God will answer your secret prayers
Germany already has LENO, KARIUS, TER STERGEN. He has a better chance in Nigeria National Team
All the people that attach tribe to every issue on this blog are the real RACIST, TRIBAL BIGGOTS. So disgusting. I wish Linda and the people that edit all the post will stop forwarding such post. They divert attention from the real issues. Nonsense!
Hmm make nobody just lock me inside room with this boy n his pink lips #thirstyMuch ...on a serious note guyman I understand ur sentiment but naija no send u o, look at d bigger picture n make wise career choices. As much as we love having u, no do pass urself
A good Samaritan should help me in any little way please. I won't be begging if I have to eat cause begging is not fun and respectful. Two.two.one.seven.two.one.one.two.seven.eight. Zenith Bank
Yes not all of are happy with the state of the Nation, but Nigeria is what we have for now. Let’s live in peace stop all the tribal nonsense.
And also u chose Nigeria bcos it is easier for u to get playing time Dan in Germany.
congrats to him. look @ biafrauds liking ds story. 99.9% of eagles players are 4rm d east, yet dem go dey say pmb is marginalizing dem.eyin werey.
JESUS CHRIST IS LORD FOREVER MORE, PLEASE LET US ALL REPENT AND SURRENDER TOTALLY TO JESUS CHRIST. GOD ALMIGHTY BLESS US ALL IN JESUS MIGHTY NAME AMEN..
You had no option Mr maduka..there ain't no way u would have made da first eleven of da German team,so u decided to fall back to da only option u got which was da super eagles coz u knew it was gon be an easy ride for u
Not even first 100 sef
Pls get rid of those tattoos, not a good look...
Good for him! I believe what they are doing is passing a good message to the white! If you are a black in a foreign land and you are not proud of yourself, check balogun and okoye out! No place like home!
This boy na asa Nwa baby