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Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, has come under heavy criticism again from fans following his error in Nigeria’s 2-2 draw against Algeria’s B team on Friday, SUNDAY PUNCH reports.
The Watford goalkeeper was handed a rare start in the encounter eight months after his self imposed exile from the team after his mistake against Tunisia led to the Eagles ouster from the delayed 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon in the round of 16.
But 33 minutes into his return to the Eagles starting lineup, the former Sparta Rotterdam goalie was punished by Algerian striker, Karim Aribi, for a mistake from him after he tried to dribble the forward rather than clear the ball after receiving a back pass from one of his defenders.
Nigerians soon after took to social media to react to Okoye’s mistake that saw Nigeria concede the opening goal of the night.
Seyi Alao also wrote on Twitter, “Maduka Okoye embarked on self imposed exile from the Super Eagles after his colossal mistake against Tunisia. He returned after eight months against a second string Algerians, only to embarrass the country. “Man is another challenge the country is dealing with after insecurity.”
Oloye Salah was perplexed as to Okoye’s mental state writing via his handle, “Maduka high come field?????”
A lady with the username, Ms Chinonye was shocked at the display saying, “This was what happened? I am definitely going to watch the replay. What sort of rubbish is this?”
Another Nigerian @itsbayannifans believes that his repeated mistakes may end his Eagles career.
“Okoye has been avoiding playing for the Eagles all this while because of his past errors and how Nigerians dragged him. He came back to repeat the same thing. Now this will push him to retire from Super Eagles on time.”
Another user @babsneh001 was confused that Okoye still gets to play for the Eagles.
“I wonder why the coach is still playing Okoye. We are not ready at all. That guy isn’t good at all.”
@cl_yn_ton also added, “The keeper is not just good at all. There was no pressure but he chose to act like a dumb one. They could not beat the B team of Algeria and you think they stand a chance against their first team?
Emmanuel Adeolu also took to his Instagram Page, @olaoluwabamidele to share his view on Okoye’s performance.
“Honestly, Okoye is not the problem but the coach who invited him and started during the match. That slot and game time should have been given to a home-based goalkeeper who to me has a lot to prove.”
@opsyswagger wrote, “Okoye is a problem to our team. We need a good keeper to stablise the defence. Our defenders are always under pressure when he is in goal.”
@munacheem added, “What sort of keeper is this one? Now we know why he is always on the bench at Watford.”
@bobby_ray_213 said, “What was Okoye doing for that first goal? He looks rusty and lacks confidence. I still wonder how the coach picked him ahead of Francis Uzoho or (Adeleye) Adebayo who are more active for their clubs.”
For @uncule_iROH, Okoye is the worst option.
“That’s where scouting comes in. We don’t have to know their name. There are better goalkeepers in the Nigerian league as well. Okoye is the worst goalkeeper in Nigeria’s history. Getting a better goalkeeper is not calculus.”
@Eden4CHI likened Okoye’s woes to Manchester United captain, Harry Maguire, “Okoye is to Nigeria what Harry Maguire is to Manchester United.”