Kosta Runjaic, coach of Udinese Calcio, has expressed satisfaction with the performances of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye this season.
Okoye was in goal for the Bianconeri when they hosted Juventus FC at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine for their 29th match of the Serie A campaign.
Juventus entered the tie as clear favourites and dominated much of the game. The Old Lady recorded 22 attempts on goal, eight of which were on target, forcing Okoye to remain at the top of his game throughout the contest.
The Nigeria national football team goalkeeper produced seven crucial saves to keep his side in the match. However, a 38th-minute strike from Jeremie Boga proved to be the only goal that beat him.
Despite the narrow defeat, it was one of Okoye’s standout performances in Serie A this season.
After the match, Runjaic praised the 26-year-old shot-stopper, noting that he has improved steadily since the start of the campaign and is now in a good place both mentally and physically.
“Okoye is improving; he had moments of difficulty during the season,” Runjaic said.
“At certain points he didn’t perform as we expected, but he is growing a lot. He gave 100 per cent, just like all the players on the pitch.”
Runjaic’s comments mark a significant turnaround for Okoye. Just three years ago, his career appeared uncertain after a difficult and largely inactive spell at Watford FC. At Udinese, however, the Super Eagles star has become a regular starter and continues to develop.
For Eric Chelle, head coach of the Super Eagles, the positive assessment could strengthen the case for handing Okoye the starting role for Nigeria national football team.
While Okoye was previously the undisputed first choice, former coach José Peseiro introduced Stanley Nwabali into the squad, and the former Chippa United FC goalkeeper has impressed since.
However, with Nwabali currently inactive and lacking match fitness, he may struggle to make the squad for Nigeria’s upcoming friendlies later this month.
Okoye therefore appears the natural option, and if he carries his club form into the national team, he could reclaim his place as Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper.