Nwabali faces fresh competition as Okoye reclaims Udinese No.1 spot against Cremonese

Maduka Okoye has returned to Udinese’s starting lineup for their Serie A clash away to Cremonese on Monday night, ending a difficult two-month spell on the sidelines, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian goalkeeper was suspended shortly before the start of the 2025/26 campaign in August after being linked to betting irregularities involving some of his close associates.

Although the investigation did not directly implicate him, the Italian football authorities enforced a two-month ban that ruled him out of Udinese’s opening six league matches.

During Okoye’s absence, Romanian shot-stopper Răzvan Sava deputised, managing just one clean sheet and conceding nine goals as Udinese struggled for consistency.

Okoye’s ban officially ended on October 16, during the international break, and he has now been immediately restored to the starting XI by head coach Kosta Runjaic.

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Runjaic shows faith in his number one

Udinese boss Kosta Runjaic has reaffirmed his faith in Okoye, describing the Super Eagles goalkeeper as his ‘number one' despite the controversy and the spell out of action.

“Okoye has always been our number one, even when he wasn’t available. I’m happy he’s back. I can’t tell you if he’ll play in Cremona, but he’s ready,” Runjaic told the club’s official website.

“He’s trained well and has also used this period to reflect on himself, emerging stronger. We’re happy to have him back and have faith in him.”

Runjaic, however, also praised Sava’s professionalism during the Nigerian’s absence.

“Sava has put in some solid performances; he already replaced Okoye last year, and it’s a great challenge for him. He also has my full confidence and will improve. In recent months, he’s had the opportunity to grow as a person and as a goalkeeper,” he added.

Udinese face Cremonese at the Stadio Giovanni Zini in their first match after the international break, a game that could mark a symbolic reset for both Okoye and the club after a rocky start to the campaign.

Implications for Super Eagles and Nwabali

Okoye’s return to competitive football could have significant implications for the Nigerian national team, particularly with Stanley Nwabali’s recent dip in discipline.

Nwabali has been Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, featuring prominently in the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifiers in September and October.

The Chippa United man kept two clean sheets in four matches, as Nigeria beat Rwanda 1-0, drew 1-1 with South Africa, defeated Lesotho 2-1, and crushed Benin 4-0.

However, his temperament has recently come under scrutiny after several heated on-field confrontations, including one with teammate Calvin Bassey. Many fans and analysts believe the lack of strong competition in goal has contributed to his restlessness.

Okoye’s return could, therefore, reintroduce healthy rivalry for the gloves and allow coach Eric Chelle to rotate and maintain balance in the squad.

The 25-year-old is expected to push for a recall to the national team when Nigeria face Gabon in November’s continental playoffs in Morocco.