Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has named Brazil great Dida as his idol, revealing that the former AC Milan custodian was the goalkeeping legend he looked up to while growing up, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Asked on Snapchat if he had a goalkeeping legend he admired as a youngster, the Udinese shot-stopper replied with a single word. “Dida.”
Dida spent a decade in goal for AC Milan, winning the Champions League twice, and also represented Brazil at senior level, making him a fitting hero for a young goalkeeper who would later move to Italy himself.
The revelation comes at a mixed spell for Okoye. He was the sole absentee from Nigeria’s 24-man squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener against Madagascar, missing every training session between Tuesday and Thursday and not landing in Akwa Ibom until Friday morning, only hours before kick-off.
Pictures had surfaced on Wednesday showing him in Italy alongside American rapper Cardi B at Milan Fashion Week, where he modelled Udinese’s new third kit. It was the second time in recent months he had been photographed with the rapper, having also appeared alongside her at Paris Fashion Week in August.
Journalist Samuel Areo and on-air personality Buchi Onakola were among those who criticised his conduct so close to a competitive fixture, while a fan, Leye Mabeoruoraye, urged the Nigeria Football Federation to address what he described as a recurring pattern of late arrivals.
Coach Eric Chelle explained at Thursday’s press conference that Udinese had sought permission for their goalkeeper to fulfil the commercial engagement.
With Okoye unable to train, Chelle handed the gloves to Stanley Nwabali, who marked his recall with a decisive one-on-one save as Nigeria came from behind to win 2-1 in Uyo, while Arthur Okonkwo was named back-up goalkeeper.
Okoye is now back in full training ahead of Nigeria’s second Group L fixture against Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on Tuesday, September 29, and Chelle faces a fresh decision over his starting goalkeeper.
