From Osimhen, Lookman and Boniface to Okoye, Nigeria are STACKED

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 8 Sept 2024 10:27 BST
• 5 min read

Nigeria showcased all of their incredible attacking artillery on Saturday as they thrashed Benin 3-0 in Africa Cup of Nations Qualification.

Ademola Lookman found the back of the net twice, while Victor Osimhen also scored as Nigeria made the perfect start on matchday one of qualification.

It has been a turbulent time for Nigeria in recent times, with the Super Eagles having a tough start to their World Cup qualifying campaign and Finidi George leaving his post as manager just weeks after succeeding Jose Peseiro.

But there is one thing that isn’t in doubt and that is NIgeria are blessed with an incredible array of talent, particularly in attack.

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With Galasaray new boy Osimhen, Atalanta Ballon d'Or candidate Lookman, Leverkusen ace Victor Boniface, Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze, Sevilla’s Kelechi Iheanacho, Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi - not to mention the likes of Nathan Tella and Terem Moffi who can’t even get in the squad - there are some who believe Nigeria have the best group of attackers in international football.

Udinese and Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who has been one of Serie A’s best goalkeepers over the last year and has an exciting future ahead of him himself, agrees that his nation is blessed with fantastic quality.

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What did Okoye say?

"Honestly, in general, not just our attackers, our squad is unbelievably strong but yeah as you mention our strikers, I have tough working days facing them,” Okoye told The Italian Football Podcast.

"To train with top strikers like them helps me learn.

"We have been through a difficult situation [in recent months]. But when we all meet up in the national team camp it's a great vibe, family vibes. I'm sure that we will get to our goal [of qualifying for the World Cup].

"We have a new coach, so we are looking forward to what's coming. It would mean the world [to play for Nigeria at the World Cup]. I grew up watching the Super Eagles.

"When my father came home from Nigeria, he always brought Okocha jerseys. To represent my fatherland is a dream. At a big tournament like the World Cup would be more special."

Okoye has started the new season brilliantly for Udinese, helping the side to joint-top of Serie A.

The 25-year-old’s performances have led to interest from big clubs and he was on Inter Milan’s shortlist this summer before they instead opted to sign Josep Martinez instead from Genoa.

But there is no doubt that the giant 6ft 6in goalkeeper, who is impressively commanding of his penalty area, has a big future ahead.

Okoye set for big things

"My first year was a little bit turbulent because I arrived at Udine from Watford. I didn't play a lot at Watford and was recovering from a shoulder surgery. Luckily the Pozzo family gave me a chance here at Udinese,” he explained.

"I arrived as a second goalkeeper but in 17 games I made it to the starting eleven. And then the journey started. I’m very happy how things are going here."

"I am very happy with my first season. It was very important for us players and the club to stay up, Udinese has been in the Serie A for 30 years. I'm happy I could play a role to keep the club in Serie A where the club belongs.

"For sure there are lots of areas I can improve. To reach the level I want to be, I have lots of things I can improve on. I’m surrounded by a very good goalkeeping team at Udinese."

"One day play in the Champions League would be a dream. This is what we dream of growing up, this is the number 1 target.

"But I know I have to take things step by step, I have to work on a lot of things. But I also know that I can be there, so that's why we all work hard.

"About the Premier League and England, I don't know yet. I really like it in Italy. I am very happy in Italy. I am learning the language and I want to spend more time here in Italy."

Okoye also admitted in the interview that his idol was former Milan goalkeeper Nelson Dida, while he named Alisson as the most complete goalkeeper in the world today.

So from an incredible group of attackers to their goalkeeper, Nigeria are certainly in safe hands.