Maduka Okoye is a Nigerian professional footballer who currently plays as a goalkeeper for Serie A side Udinese and the Nigeria national team.
From starting his football journey in Germany to earning a place in the Super Eagles squad, Okoye has steadily risen through the ranks with his towering presence, sharp reflexes, and calmness between ...s.
In this article, Footynaija.com takes a closer look at the shot-stopper who is gaining recognition in Serie A and remains one of Nigeria’s trusted hands in goal.
Biography
Maduka Emilio Okoye was born on August 28, 1999, in Düsseldorf, Germany, to an Igbo Nigerian father and a German mother. He began his football journey in Germany, developing through the youth systems of Borussia Mönchengladbach, Bayer Leverkusen, and later Fortuna Düsseldorf.
Okoye played for Fortuna Düsseldorf II in the Regionalliga before making a name for himself in the Netherlands. In July 2020, he joined Dutch Eredivisie side Sparta Rotterdam, where he quickly became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper. His solid performances during the 2020–21 season earned him the club’s Player of the Season award and attracted attention from bigger clubs in Europe.
In November 2021, English Premier League side Watford signed him on a five-and-a-half-year deal, though he remained on loan at Sparta Rotterdam until the end of that season. Okoye officially joined Watford ahead of the 2022–23 campaign but struggled for regular playing time.
In August 2023, Okoye made a switch to Serie A, signing with Italian side Udinese. He had to wait patiently for his opportunity, but when it came, he impressed with confident displays and sharp saves, especially during the second half of the 2023–24 season.
On the international stage, Okoye made his debut for Nigeria in a friendly against Brazil in October 2019. He became Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper under former coach Gernot Rohr and was part of the Super Eagles squad for the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.
Though he faced criticism after Nigeria’s Round of 16 exit, he remains in the picture under successive coaches, and has continued to earn national team call-ups.
Career Stats
Maduka Okoye has grown into one of Nigeria’s standout goalkeepers in Europe. Here is a breakdown of his appearances and clean sheets so far:
Fortuna Düsseldorf II – 34 apps (8 clean sheets)
Sparta Rotterdam – 61 apps (18 clean sheets)
Udinese – 48 apps (10 clean sheets)
Nigeria – 17 apps (8 clean sheets)
Maduka Okoye Salary
Maduka Okoye is currently under contract with Serie A club Udinese, with his deal set to run until June 30, 2028. He has an estimated gross salary of €3,600,000 still to be paid over the remaining period of his contract.
For the 2024–2025 season, Okoye earned an estimated base salary of €900,000. This breaks down to roughly €17,308 per week in gross earnings, not including any performance-related bonuses or incentives.
Maduka Okoye Net Worth and Market Value
Maduka Okoyeʼs net worth is estimated to be over £1.0 million, thanks to his club contracts, endorsements, and consistent presence in top-flight football.
As of the time of writing, Okoye’s market value stands at €7.50 million, reflecting his performances in Serie A and his growing experience as a Nigeria international.
Maduka Okoye Parents
Maduka Okoye was born to a Nigerian father and a German mother in Düsseldorf, Germany. Growing up in a multicultural home, Maduka was influenced by both backgrounds, but it was his father’s passion for Nigerian football that shaped his early football dreams.
According to the goalkeeper, his father would always talk about the Super Eagles and kept the Nigerian football spirit alive in their house. That connection played a big part in Maduka’s decision to represent Nigeria instead of chasing a spot with Germany.
Maduka Okoye Girlfriend and Kids
Maduka Okoye is in a relationship with Dutch model and influencer Jelicia Westhoff. The two have been together since around 2020 and are parents to a son named Isaiah Emil Okoye, born in 2022. The name “Isaiah” was inspired by the Bible verse Isaiah 41:10, which reflects their shared Christian faith.
Their relationship has had a few public challenges. In December 2024, Jelicia called out Maduka on social media, claiming he locked her and their two-year-old son out of their home. She expressed her frustration, saying she felt abandoned. The issue drew a lot of attention, especially among fans who follow Maduka closely.
By April 2025, the couple seemed to have put the matter behind them. Jelicia publicly apologised and confirmed they had reconciled, saying they were focused on raising their son and moving forward as a family.
Despite the ups and downs, Maduka and Jelicia continue to co-parent and maintain their bond while keeping things more private these days.
Maduka Okoye Transfer News
Maduka Okoye has been making headlines in recent months following his fine form for Udinese in Serie A. Reports have linked English Premier League side AFC Bournemouth with a move for the 25-year-old.
Scouts from the club have reportedly been tracking Okoye and are expected to keep tabs on his performances as they weigh up a possible move.
There have also been whispers of interest from AC Milan, who are believed to be considering him as a backup option. However, Okoye has made it clear that he is happy at Udinese. In a recent statement, he told fans, “I am one of you, I am a black and white player, and I am happy to be here.”
Okoye’s current contract runs until June 30, 2028, with four years left on the deal. He still has €3.6 million in gross earnings to be paid over the remainder of his contract. His market value is now estimated at €7.50 million.
FC 25 Ratings
Maduka Okoye’s overall player rating in EA SPORTS FC 25 is 74, a fair reflection of his growing status as Nigeria’s number one and a rising star in Serie A.
His standard card showcases his strengths as a modern shot-stopper:
Goalkeeping:
Reflexes: 78
Positioning: 74
Diving: 73
Handling: 72
Kicking: 68