Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has revealed that Brazil and AC Milan legend Dida was his childhood goalkeeping idol.

 Asked on Snapchat whether he had a goalkeeping legend he admired while growing up, the Udinese shot-stopper gave a brief response: “Dida.”

 Dida spent a decade between the posts at AC Milan, winning the UEFA Champions League twice and earning numerous honours with the Italian giants. He also represented Brazil at senior international level.

 The revelation comes during a mixed period for Okoye, who was the only absentee from Nigeria’s 24-man squad for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener against Madagascar.

 The goalkeeper missed the team’s training sessions from Tuesday to Thursday and only arrived in Akwa Ibom on Friday morning, just hours before kick-off.

 His absence attracted attention after pictures emerged showing Okoye in Italy alongside American rapper Cardi B at Milan Fashion Week, where he modelled Udinese’s new third kit. It was the second time in recent months that the pair had been pictured together, following an appearance at Paris Fashion Week in August.

 Journalist Samuel Areo and on-air personality Buchi Onakola were among those who criticised Okoye’s timing, while fan Leye Mabeoruoraye called on the Nigeria Football Federation to address what he described as a recurring issue involving late arrivals.

 However, Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle explained at his Thursday press conference that Udinese had obtained permission for Okoye to attend the commercial engagement.

 With Okoye unavailable for training, Chelle handed the starting role to Stanley Nwabali. The Chippa United goalkeeper marked his return with a crucial one-on-one save as Nigeria recovered from a goal down to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo.

 Arthur Okonkwo served as the backup goalkeeper for the match.

 Okoye has since returned to full training with the Super Eagles ahead of their second Group L fixture against Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.

 His return leaves Chelle with a fresh decision to make over who will start in goal as Nigeria continue their qualifying campaign.