Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic has expressed his satisfaction with Maduka Okoye's performances for the club this season, Soccernet.ng reports.
Okoye was in goal for the Bianconeri as they welcomed Serie A giants Juventus to the Blue Energy Stadium in Udine for their 29th game of the campaign.
Juventus entered the tie as massive favorites and thoroughly dominated the home side. The Old Lady registered 22 attempts on goal, eight of which were on target, forcing Okoye to be at the very top of his game.
The Super Eagles star made seven vital saves to keep his side competitive. Unfortunately for him, a 38th-minute strike from Jeremie Boga was the only effort to beat him.
Despite the narrow defeat, it remained one of Okoye's standout performances in Serie A this season.
Following the match, Runjaic praised the 26-year-old shot-stopper, noting that Okoye has improved steadily since the start of the season and is now in a great place 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%, just like all the players on the pitch.”
What Can Eric Chelle Take From Runjaic's Comments About Maduka Okoye?
Runjaic's praise marks a significant turnaround for Maduka Okoye. Just three years ago, his career appeared to be hanging by a thread after a difficult and inactive stint at Watford. However, at Udinese, the Super Eagles star has become a mainstay and continues to develop.
For head coach Eric Chelle, these comments might provide the green light needed to hand Okoye the starting spot for Nigeria.
While Okoye was previously the undisputed first choice, former coach José Peseiro brought Stanley Nwabali into the fold, and the former Chippa United man has hardly put a foot wrong since.
However, with Nwabali currently inactive and lacking match fitness, he is unlikely to be called up for the Super Eagles' upcoming friendlies later this month.
Okoye is the natural replacement, and if he carries his club form into the national team, he could reclaim his position as Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper moving forward.
