Nigeria’s Maduka Okoye endured another testing night in Serie A as Udinese slumped to a 2–0 defeat against AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian shot-stopper, who has now started five straight games since returning from a betting-related suspension last month, was again left frustrated after conceding from the penalty spot. Okoye has failed any of the three penalty kicks he has faced this season, including two against Juventus last month.
The opener for Roma came three minutes to the end of the first half when VAR spotted a handball inside the box by a Udinese defender. Captain Lorenzo Pellegrini stepped up for Roma and coolly dispatched the penalty low to Okoye’s right, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Turkish defender Zeki Celik doubled Roma’s advantage just past the hour-mark with a low shot that Okoye tried to stop with his feet.
Despite being beaten twice, Okoye’s command of his area and distribution remained composed as he tried to rally his defence. Udinese grew into the game late on, with Nicolò Zaniolo missing a one-on-one chance that could have reduced Roma’s advantage. The visitors then struck the post in the dying minutes but Roma held on for a win that sent them to the top of the Serie A table.
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Maduka Okoye: “I’m proud of the team… I’ll save a penalty soon”
Despite the result, Okoye struck a positive tone after the final whistle. The 26-year-old goalkeeper praised his teammates’ effort and vowed that his long-awaited penalty save is just around the corner.
“I'm very proud of the team. We played a good match at the Olimpico, and it's not easy against Roma, who are very strong. I'm happy. We didn't get any points, but the performance was good,” Okoye told Udinese’s official website.
“It's always 50-50 on penalties. I want to save one this year; I haven't done so yet, but the time will come. It's a shame it wasn't today; now we have to look ahead.”
He also highlighted the composure of teammate Nicolò Zaniolo, who faced his former club Roma. Zaniolo is on loan at Udinese from Turkish giants Galatasaray.
“It was a special match for Zaniolo, but before the match he was calm as always. He's a great player, we're happy to have him with us.”
Okoye has now conceded eight goals in five games this season, with just one clean sheet. Yet, he remains Nigeria’s most valuable goalkeeper globally and continues to command faith from national team selectors.
Maduka Okoye and his Super Eagles return
Okoye’s next stop will be international duty. The Udinese goalkeeper is one of the players called up for Nigeria’s World Cup playoff against Gabon in Rabat, Morocco. The former Watford goalkeeper missed the World Cup qualifiers in September and October.
He is expected to link up with his Super Eagles teammates on Monday, joining a squad that already includes captain William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Fulham trio Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze, as well as Russia-based winger Olakunle Olusegun.
His inclusion reignites competition for Nigeria’s No. 1 shirt, with Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali currently ahead in the pecking order.
