Maduka Okoye says Nigeria are determined to end their World Cup drought, with the Super Eagles goalkeeper backing the team to qualify for the 2030 FIFA World Cup after missing the last two tournaments — SuperEaglesNG.com reports.
The 25-year-old made the comments during an interview with SuperSport while attending the British Grand Prix.
Nigeria failed to reach the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after Ghana eliminated them on away goals in the final qualifying play-off. The Super Eagles then missed out on the expanded 2026 tournament after another disappointing qualifying campaign.
Okoye believes the current squad can change that.
“One hundred percent,” he said.
“We’re going to do everything for our country. Nigeria deserves to be at the World Cup, and we’ll do everything in our power to make sure we’re there in four years.”
He added that representing Nigeria remains one of the greatest honours of his career.
Okoye discusses Udinese future and Formula One
Okoye also addressed speculation about his club future. He said he remains happy at Udinese despite reports linking him with a move elsewhere.
“Football moves very fast,” he said.
“Right now, I’m very happy at Udinese in Italy, and I’m also very proud to represent the Nigerian national team. We’ll see what the future brings.”
Away from football, Okoye said attending the British Grand Prix increased his appreciation for Formula One. He also revealed he was supporting Lewis Hamilton despite the seven-time world champion now racing for Ferrari.
The goalkeeper backed the idea of Formula One returning to Africa. He said he would like Nigeria to host a race in the future.
“It has to be in Nigeria,” he said.
Nigeria will begin their qualifying campaign for the 2030 FIFA World Cup in the coming years. The team hopes to return to the tournament for the first time since appearing at the 2018 finals.
Nigeria last appeared at the FIFA World Cup in Russia in 2018. The Super Eagles will hope to end an eight-year absence when qualification for the 2030 tournament begins, with Okoye confident the current squad can guide the country back onto football’s biggest stage.
