Osimhen's team-mate admits Chelsea 'DREAM'

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 15 Nov 2024 15:25 CST
• 3 min read

Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has publicly expressed his desire to join Premier League giants Chelsea.

The 25-year-old only signed a contract extension at Udinese back in August, but the Nigerian has now admitted that he is dreaming of a move to Stamford Bridge, despite the fact he is happy in Italy.

“Of course, playing in the Premier League is a dream for me,” Okoye told SportyTV (as per All Nigeria Soccer).

READ MORE: Why Chelsea MUST sell Christopher Nkunku in 2025

“For me in the Premier League, it's Chelsea. I am not a Chelsea fan but I have always kind of supported Chelsea. I wouldn't say Chelsea is my team because my teams are in Germany but in England, Chelsea is my team.

“But I'm in the Serie A right now. I'm at Udinese and I'm very, very happy here, and I really fell in love with not just the Italian type of football but also the Italian way of living. I'm planning to stay here and enjoy my time in Italy.”

Okoye joined Udinese from Watford last summer and he has started every possible Serie A match for Kosta Runjaic’s side so far this season.

The 25-year-old, who plays alongside Chelsea target Victor Osimhen for Nigeria, would become the sixth different goalkeeper to join the Stamford Bridge outfit since 2022 if he is able to complete a transfer to west London.

READ MORE: Chelsea missed out on 'top secret' transfer - Romano

Maduka Okoye on Nigeria’s talented squad

Okoye recently appeared on The Italian Football Podcast and admitted that Nigeria’s current squad is stacked with talent.

“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,” he said. “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.”