Maduka Okoye: Nigeria Goalkeeper Produces Another Impressive Display in Udinese’s Win Over Lazio

• Maduka Okoye continues to impress at Udinese Calcio
• The Nigerian keeper was superb in their win over Lazio
• Okoye had last played for his country at the 2021 AFCON

Nigerian goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, delivered another incredible performance in Udinese's massive 2-1 away win over Lazio in the Serie A.

The goalkeeper has been absent from the Nigerian national team for more than two years after his error in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 24-year-old was instrumental as Udinese picked up their second win in 10 Serie A matches. Okoye made six saves, 20 passes, and two successful long balls in the match.

After failing to break into the starting eleven in the first 16 league matches, Okoye has played in every game since. Three of Udinese's four wins have come with Okoye in the starting eleven, per Transfermarkt.

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After their huge win over Lazio, they are 13th, with 27 points from 28 matches. Okoye has now established himself in the team as they try to avoid relegation.

Okoye's ambition for Nigeria

Sports Brief earlier reported on Okoye expressing his desire to return to the Nigerian national team after a prolonged absence.

The Udinese goalkeeper will have to battle for the Super Eagles' number one spot with Stanley Nwabali, who impressed at the 2023 AFCON. Nwabali dislodged Francis Uzoho from the No. 1 spot.

Okoye was the starting goalkeeper in three of Nigeria’s four games at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon. He was at fault for Tunisia's only goal in the last 16.

He was heavily criticised on social media after the Super Eagles were eliminated from the competition. If he continues to impress, he could play for Nigeria soon.

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Okoye impresses in Serie A debut

Earlier, Sports Brief also reported that Okoye is determined to leave an indelible mark in the Italian Serie A, as the 24-year-old goalkeeper showcased his quality during a stellar debut for Udinese.

In a notable performance against Bologna, on December 30, the Super Eagles goalkeeper not only secured a clean sheet but also bolstered his case with five crucial saves and a well-timed punch.