Udinese shot stopper, Maduka Okoye, has praised former Nigeria head coach, Gernot Rohr for helping him actualise his dream of playing at the international level.

Okoye was born in Dusseldorf to a Nigerian father and German mother.

The 24-year-old was eligible to represent both countries at the international level.

The Sparta Rotterdam goalie however choose to play for Nigeria.

Okoye made his international debut against Brazil in October 2019.

“Yes, it has been always Nigeria for me, a childhood dream playing for the Super Eagles. Yes, Lutz played a big part in that… he was in good contact with Nigeria’s former coach Gernot Rohr; he opened that door for me,” he told Tribal Football.

“With Rohr I had a fantastic coach in my early years as a Super Eagle, I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunities he gave me in that time!”