'Maduka Okoye still has a bright future in Super Eagles' - Nigerians react after Finidi George recalls Udinese man

Nigerians have reacted following Maduka Okoye's return to the Super Eagles set-up.

The Udinese goalkeeper made the cut after Nigeria's national football team boss, Finidi George, named his 23-man squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye makes a comeback to the national team after a two-year absence.

He replaces Cyprus-based Francis Uzoho for the crucial qualifiers. Okoye's last appearance for the Super Eagles was in January 2022, during the AFCON encounter against Tunisia.

Remo Stars defender Sodiq Ismail received his first-ever call-up to the national team, showcasing Coach George's commitment to finding fresh talent within the NPFL.

The squad announcement also reveals some surprising omissions. Taiwo Awoniyi, Ola Aina, Kenneth Omeruo, and William Troost-Ekong are notable absentees. The reasons for their exclusion haven't been disclosed.

However, Troost-Ekong only just returned from injury, and there are rumours that Ola Aina might also be nursing an injury.

These qualifiers will be the first major test for Coach Finidi George since taking charge of the Super Eagles. Ademola Lookman, the Europa League winner and Atalanta hero, leads the list of invited players tasked with securing victories against South Africa (June 7th) and Benin Republic (June 10th).