Maduka Okoye has returned to Europe after an unforgettable go to to Nigeria, which marked his most private low season break since turning skilled. The Tremendous Eagles goalkeeper took time to discover his heritage in Enugu, the place he related deeply together with his roots and group.
Having grown up in Düsseldorf, Germany, Okoye had by no means totally immersed himself in his ancestral hometown till now. The Udinese star, 25, made his option to Amechi Uwani in Enugu South, the village the place his father grew up, and shared touching moments on social media, captioning one publish, “The place my father grew up.”
He additionally visited Neighborhood Major Faculty Amechi Awkunano, his father’s former college, the place he was greeted warmly by pupils. Kids rushed towards the footballer with pleasure, prompting academics to step in gently. “My father’s main college,” he wrote.
Past reconnecting together with his household’s previous, Okoye immersed himself within the native tradition. He joined morning joggers at Okpara Sq., danced to Ogene music, and loved dishes like Abacha — a staple delicacy in Jap Nigeria.
The go to wasn’t simply sentimental. Okoye paid a courtesy go to to Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah on the Authorities Home, the place he revealed plans to launch each a humanitarian basis and a soccer academy to assist native youth. “I’m really excited to be again residence,” Okoye stated throughout the assembly. “Enugu is my origin and I carry it with pleasure in all places I’m going. I stay up for giving again.”
Governor Mbah responded by appointing Okoye as an official Ambassador of Enugu State and introduced plans to allocate land for the proposed academy. He additionally dedicated to modernizing the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium to FIFA requirements and invited Okoye to take part within the subsequent Enugu Worldwide Marathon.
The Udinese goalkeeper left Nigeria by means of Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Worldwide Airport and shared a robust message earlier than his flight: “I chop tire for this Nigeria ooo. All jokes apart, there may be nothing extra particular than coming residence. I’m leaving this nation as a unique man, mentally and spiritually.”
Okoye is now set to return to Udinese for pre-season, the place he’ll put together for powerful early Serie A clashes towards the likes of Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Sassuolo.
