Maduka Okoye brilliant as Sparta Rotterdam edge out Groningen

The Super Eagles goalkeeper did not keep a clean sheet, but he made important saves to help Henk Fraser’s men to a superb win at Groningen

Maduka Okoye gave another assured display in goal as Sparta Rotterdam picked up their 11th win in the Eredivisie this season following a 2-1 victory over Groningen at the Hitachi Capital Mobility Stadion.

Okoye has now established himself as Sparta’s first-choice goalkeeper as the game against Groningen was his 25th appearance in the Dutch top-flight this season.

The 21-year-old, who joined De Kasteelheren last summer, conceded his 34 league goal of the season, but he still played a vital role in the win.

Okoye denied Groningen on two occasions with two smart saves- although he could’ve done better to prevent their goal.

Abdou Harroui put Sparta ahead in the 27th minute before Tom Beugelsdijk doubled the advantage 11 minutes after the break.

Ramon-Pascal Lundqvist pulled one back for the host three minutes from time to set up a nervy finish, but Sparta held on for a vital win.