His name has been mentioned severally in the Nigerian media since his meeting with coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Gernot Rohr last year, where the manager confirmed his interest in luring him to Nigeria. He is Fortuna Dusseldorf shot stopper Maduka Okoye.
Born in Germany to Nigerian parents, the 19 year old was recently blocked from representing the U23 of Nigeria by his clubside where he is the number one goalkeeper of the U23s playing in the regional league in Germany.
Although he is yet to get a call up to the senior national team of Nigeria, Okoye is expected to at least make the initial list for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations but how good is the German-Nigerian shot stopper.
Owngoalnigeria.com German contact Mark Roland provides the answers.
” Okoye is among the tallest goalkeeper in the German 4th division aside his height he is a a typical German modern day German goalkeeper in the sense that he plays very well with his feet. The Manuel Neuer style has got to him. For the games I’ve watched he is also good in one and one situation and also organises his defence very well.
” I also like his confidence level, maybe because he has trained with the first team severally and also took part in pre season training with them. It’s hard for young goalkeepers to be trusted in Europe these days particularly in the top five league ( Germany, Italy, Spain, France and England) .
” The one drawback in his game has to be his ball handling. It’s a little suspect as he drops balls more than he grips but his recovery rate is near perfect. He is also not the best in dealing with crosses and that is a problem many goalkeepers of his age have”.
