“It’s Nice” – Super Eagles Star Responds To Ajax Links

No Nigerian goalkeeper has ever put on the colours of the Netherlands giants, but Sparta’s young shot-stopper could be the first to rewrite the history books

Five-time Nigeria international Maduka Okoye is pleased to be attracting the interests of Eredivisie champions Ajax, but the youngster says he’s committed to Sparta Rotterdam.

It is a massive turnaround for Okoye, who until 2019 was starring in the German third division for Fortuna Dusseldorf’s reserve team.

But the 21-year-old’s turning point arrived when he was invited to the Nigerian national team, making his debut against former world champion Brazil in November 2019.

A move to Sparta Rotterdam was finalised last summer.

Okoye served as the second-choice goalie at the start of the season before he grabbed his opportunity and has become the club’s number one for the most part.

The Super Eagles numero uno has made 20 Eredivisie appearances for the Rotterdammers, helping them stay a comfortable distance away from relegation troubles.

Ajax are reportedly keeping tabs on Okoye, with the German-born gloveman claiming another clean sheet at the weekend in Sparta’s 2-0 victory over RKC Waalwijk, to fuel more talks of a summer switch.

But Okoye insists no transfer to Ajax is on the horizon, even if he is cool with being linked to the Dutch champions.

“I haven’t heard anything yet; it’s mainly a rumor now,” Okoye told ESPN as per FCUpdate.

“It is nice to read that Ajax is interested. That means that I am performing well at Sparta. My focus is now on Sparta. At the moment, nothing is playing yet. We will see what will happen.”

Okoye is currently the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper and is expected to man the posts when Nigeria take on the Benin Republic in an Afcon-qualifying match on November 27.