Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has wrapped up his first end-of-season holiday in Nigeria, leaving the country with cherished memories and a renewed sense of purpose, Soccernet.ng reports.
Born and raised in Düsseldorf, Germany, to a Nigerian father and German mother, Okoye spent his entire childhood in Europe. But in 2019, at the age of 20 and just before joining Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam, he chose to represent Nigeria at international level rather than Germany.
Now 25, the Udinese shot-stopper has made 16 appearances for the Super Eagles, frequently travelling to Nigeria for training camps and international fixtures. But this summer was different.
Fresh off a solid 2024–25 campaign with Udinese, Okoye opted to spend part of his vacation in Enugu State, the homeland of his father.
“Where my father grew up”
During his stay, Okoye visited his ancestral village of Amechi Uwani in Enugu South Local Government Area.
On June 20, he shared clips from a personal tour of his father’s childhood home, showing the compound’s traditional features including an outdoor kitchen and bathroom.
He captioned ...: “Where my father grew up.”
The Super Eagles star also stopped by his father’s alma mater — Community Primary School Amechi Awkunano — where he was greeted with joy by local children.
A visibly excited group of pupils attempted to mob the footballer but were gently held back by teachers. Okoye smiled and waved, writing: “My father’s primary school.”
Beyond the emotional visits, Okoye embraced the local lifestyle.
On June 21, he was spotted exercising at Okpara Square in Enugu, vibing to traditional Ogene music. He later indulged in Abacha — a popular local delicacy otherwise referred to as African salad.
Maduka Okoye on IG.
Man is enjoying Enugu. pic.twitter.com/oGC9cuCOLO
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) June 20, 2025
The Udinese keeper also paid his respects to the Royal Highness of his community, highlighting his appreciation for cultural traditions.
Super Eagles star Okoye’s visit to Governor Dr. Peter Mbah
Okoye’s visit culminated in a courtesy call to Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah at the Government House.
The footballer announced plans to launch a charitable foundation and a football academy to empower local youth.
“I’m truly excited to be back home. Enugu is my origin and I carry it with pride everywhere I go. I look forward to giving back by setting up a foundation for humanitarian causes and a football academy to mentor and train aspiring players,” Okoye said.
Governor Mbah praised Okoye’s achievements and commitment to youth development, announcing him as an Ambassador of Enugu State.
“Maduka Okoye represents the best of Enugu talent on the national and global stage,” said the Governor.
“We are proud of his achievements and inspired by his desire to give back. We are appointing him as an Ambassador of Enugu State… he will be a great source of motivation for the next generation of talents in our Smart Green Schools.”
The Governor also pledged land for Okoye’s academy and revealed plans to revamp the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to meet FIFA standards. He further invited the Super Eagles star to participate in the next edition of the Enugu International Marathon.
“I Am Leaving a Different Man”
Following his Enugu stop, Okoye flew to Lagos for his return flight to Europe via Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Before departing, he reflected on his visit in a heartfelt post:
“I chop tire for this Nigeria ooo. All jokes aside, there is nothing more special than coming home. I am leaving this country as a different man, mentally and spiritually.”
The goalkeeper is expected to rejoin Udinese shortly for pre-season preparations. The Italian club’s early Serie A fixtures include matchups against Verona, Inter Milan, Pisa, AC Milan, and Sassuolo.