Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has revealed that former AC Milan legend Dida remains his all-time idol, while also naming his current top three goalkeepers in world football.
Speaking in an interview quoted by Tuttomercatoweb, Okoye said he has long admired the Brazilian great despite never meeting him in person.
“My idol is Dida. I have never met him in person, but I have heard him on calls,” Okoye said.
The Nigerian international praised Dida’s qualities, highlighting his agility and commanding presence on the pitch as traits he hopes to emulate.
“I’d take many things from him; he was incredibly quick. He had personality on the pitch,” he added.
Okoye also paid tribute to former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, describing him as “a legend” and “a monster” between the sticks.
When asked to rank the best goalkeepers in the world currently, Okoye listed Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen, Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma as his top three.
He, however, singled out the Italian as the standout performer.
“My top three goalkeepers are Ter Stegen, Courtois, and Donnarumma — he’s the best right now,” Okoye stated.
The Udinese shot-stopper is currently in camp with the Super Eagles as Nigeria prepares to face Iran in an international friendly in Turkey later today, as part of preparations for upcoming competitions.