Some sections of Nigerian football fans are clamouring for the return of Maduka Okoye to the Super Eagles lineup, following his performance for Udinese after serving a betting suspension.

The 26-year-old was between the sticks for Udinese against Cremonese in Serie A on Monday night — his first appearance of the new campaign.

Despite being sidelined for the past two months due to betting-related issues, the former Watford shot-stopper delivered a decent performance at the Stadio Giovanni Zini.

After conceding early in the 4th minute, Okoye bounced back to make two crucial saves, helping the Zebras secure a valuable point.

His return has put fans on high alert, especially after Stanley Nwabali’s underwhelming display against Lesotho in Nigeria's penultimate World Cup qualifier.

Many fans have now called for the Chippa United goalkeeper to be dropped, with Okoye tipped to start in goal for next month’s crucial FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon in Morocco.

Check out some reactions from fans on social media below:

@godwinQA tweeted, "Two months off and still saving lives — Maduka came back like he never left. 🔥🧤"

@MAAHwrites wrote, "Just watched the highlights of this match and Okoye truly made a couple of fine saves. If he can just shake off his confidence issues when playing for the Super Eagles, there’s no way Nwabali is starting ahead of him."

@Shameh_NG said, "He should do well to come and replace that GK that’s arrogant jare and full of himself. Always giving us HBP!"

@xabilution1 added, "Let's hope he returns to the national team and boosts competition in the goalkeeper position."

@DanielEze384185 said, "Looks like a proper keeper, we really need him back, he's playing in a more competitive league"

@MocoUTD also added, "He should be Nigeria Number 1"

WDN