The Nigerian international was in goal, but he could not help Sparta Rotterdam to another victory in the Dutch top-flight
Maduka Okoye let in three goals as Sparta Rotterdam suffered a 3-2 home loss to Groningen in their Eredivisie encounter on Saturday evening.
It was Okoye’s seventh league appearance of the season and has been on the winning side on four occasions, including the last two games.
However, it was a disappointing evening for him on Saturday as he conceded three goals. The away side took the lead in the 16th minute through Wessel Dammers, who fired home a rebound after Okoye had initially saved a header from El Messaoudi.
Sparta levelled matters in the 36th minute courtesy of a strike from Lennart Thy, who was set up by Dirk Abels.
The strike ensured both sides went into the break with the scores levelled. But it was Groningen that took the initiative following the restart with Jörgen Strand Larsen putting home a cross from Mo El Hankouri in the 53rd minute.
Danny Buijs men extended their lead in the 74th minute courtesy of another strike from Larsen. Although Wouter Burge pulled one back for Sparta in the 80th minute, Groningen held on for the three points.