Nigeria and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has addressed the widespread attention he receives for his looks, stating that despite the flurry of admiration, his focus remains firmly on his football career, Footynaija.com reports.
The 25-year-old, who became a social media favourite due to his striking appearance, spoke candidly during an interview on the AySuga YouTube channel.
“It has always being part of me because women are always crazy about me, but I don’t really pay too much attention about it,” Okoye said.
The Super Eagles star, who played a key role in Udinese’s Serie A campaign, underlined the need for discipline and balance in managing fame and sport.
“As a professional you have to keep things apart, you cannot combine sport with too much women,” he added.
While many online followers are drawn to his appearance, Okoye insists that his focus lies elsewhere.
“All the fine boy nonsense. Yeah, I am a fine boy but it is not that I am focusing on it. I was born like that,” he said.
“I’m not going to the gym to look good. I am going to the gym to fit, look healthy, and perform better. But people think I put everything on that, but my priorities are somewhere else than being fine boy.”
Despite the noise surrounding his looks, Okoye is determined to remain grounded and continue developing as a goalkeeper.
“I don’t have to deal with it because I don’t want to talk too much about me online.”
Off the pitch, Okoye is facing growing scrutiny following recent reports linking him to a potential betting scandal. While the details remain unclear, the former Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper will be keen to clear his name.
As Nigeria prepare for the next round of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Okoye’s composure and performances will be key to his retention of the Super Eagles’ No. 1 shirt.