Maduka Okoye put in a Man-of the-match worthy performance in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Russia in an international friendly last Friday.
Okoye returned between the sticks for Super Eagles for the first time since the 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in a 2025 AFCON qualifier in Uyo.
The 25 year-old was a stand out performer against Russia, making crucial saves as Nigeria rallied from a 1-0 deficit to equalize courtesy of substitute Tolu Arokodare.
Reacting to the young goalie’s resurgence, former Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer Abideen Baruwa said Okoye’s quality was never in doubt.
Baruwa confirmed that he sent a message to encourage the goalkeeper on a good game.
‘Immediately after the game I sent him a message,’ Baruwa told Brila.net. ‘I was so happy for that performance.’
The match marked Maduka Okoye’s 18th international cap, and his first game for Nigeria in 2025.
