“He’s not at fault” – Super Eagles goalkeeper lauds Maduka Okoye effort in Poland draw

Super Eagles goalkeeper Noble John has lauded Maduka Okoye’s display in Nigeria’s 2-2 draw against Poland yesterday evening, Afrik Foot reports.

The 26-year-old made his 20th appearance for the Green and Whites by standing between the sticks for the first time since Nigeria’s friendly clash against Iran in March.

He produced a brilliant display, particularly making three stops to deny Robert Lewandowski his 90th goal for the Poland National team.

Look at what some people wanted Maduka Okoye to catch? 😭😭

See swaving 😭
pic.twitter.com/frls7iqijJ

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) June 3, 2026

Okoye was beaten by a 95th-minute long-range strike from Przemyslaw Wisniewski, which put a dent on what was a truly outstanding performance from the Udinese goalkeeper.

Maduka Okoye during the Poland – Nigeria friendly football match at the National Stadium in Warsaw. Copyright: ImagoxJakubxPorzyckix

Super Eagles: Noble John lauds Maduka Okoye despite late dagger

Noble John earned his first Super Eagles call-up in March 2021, under Gernot Rohr for the 2021 AFCON qualifiers, but did not make an official appearance as he was third in the pecking order behind Okoye and Francis Uzoho.

Maduka Okoye was the starting goalkeeper at the AFCON 2021 tournament in Cameroon, but his error against Tunisia cost Nigeria a place in the quarter-finals.

The Germany-born goalkeeper suffered severe criticism from fans, which in turn led him to take a break from the National team, returning in June 2025, and starting in the friendly game against Russia.

Still, he didn’t play the AFCON 2025 tournament, but is keen on reclaiming his place as Super Eagles number one.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. (Photo by Imago)

Noble rated the Super Eagles’ performance eight out of ten, revealing that Wisniewski’s strike was simply unstoppable.

“Honestly speaking, Nigeria’s Super Eagles are performing amazingly well this period because a whole lot has changed compared to how we used to play before,” the one-time NPFL winner said in an interview with Footy Africa.

​”Now, when Nigeria plays, you have real confidence. When we score first and take the lead, you can see it in the whole game—the tactical play and everything is perfectly fine. Personally, I would give Nigeria an eight out of ten.”

Maduka Okoye of Nigeria is seen during the international friendly match against Poland. Copyright: ImagoxMarekxAntonixIwa

“Maduka Okoye is a fantastic goalkeeper, I must say. He is someone I’ve worked with in the national team, and he is deeply committed to his work and always disciplined,” the former Enyimba International goalkeeper continued.

“One thing about football—especially for those of us who are goalkeepers—is that people don’t remember the saves you make.

“Whenever you concede a goal, they immediately want to judge or find fault, which isn’t fair to us.

“I’ve watched the video of that particular goal over and over again. When you are positioned in your post and a shot is taken from long range, those shots often beat goalkeepers because the ball swerves and suddenly changes direction just as it gets close to you.

“In goalkeeping, a tiny slip or a slight movement of the ball can change the entire situation. It is rarely as simple as people think from the outside.

“For me, I am not blaming him for that goal at all. The guy has been doing well for us. Just like me, if I play a game and concede, I go back after the match to analyze how it happened and work on myself to avoid it in the next game.

“I think he has already done that analysis on his own. All he needs right now is our encouragement and support. I believe that with him in goal, the Super Eagles will go far. He has my support every day,” Noble John concluded.

Maduka Okoye. Photo by IMAGO

Maduka Okoye will most likely be in goal for the Super Eagles in their friendly against Portugal. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:45 PM WAT on the 10th of June.

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Adefolahan Guerreiro

Sports Writer