Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye produced one of his best performances of the season as Udinese held Como to a 0-0 draw on Monday night, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Udinese's shot-stopper's display left Como boss Cesc Fabregas frustrated while his opposite number Kosta Runjaic was pleased with a hard-earned point.
Okoye was the standout player on the pitch, making four important saves and keeping a clean sheet in a tense and tactical game. Rated 8.0 for his display, Okoye showed sharp reflexes, strong positioning, and calm decision-making throughout the 90 minutes.
One of his best moments came just before half-time, when he denied Nico Paz's powerful long-range effort, pushing the ball away with what could only be described as ‘stinging gloves.' It was a save that summed up his evening: alert, confident, and decisive.
Okoye was also comfortable with the ball at his feet, completing 28 of his 35 passes to help Udinese build from the back. He added 11 recoveries, one high claim, and a couple of defensive contributions, showing he was not just stopping shots but also helping organise the defence under pressure.
Como came into the match in excellent form, having won five games in a row, but they struggled to break through a disciplined Udinese side led from the back by their Nigerian goalkeeper.
Como's Fabregas frustrated, Runjaic satisfied
After the match, Como manager Fabregas admitted he expected more from his team despite keeping another clean sheet.
“Both teams had difficulties finding spaces, it was a very tactical game and nobody really took the initiative,” Fabregas told DAZN Italia.
“Nonetheless, we had two big chances to score and that is important. In general, I didn’t like the way the team played in possession, there were many players who were below par today. At the same time, Udinese created very little danger and we kept our 15th clean sheet.”
Despite the draw, Como remain fourth with 58 points, but their push for a Champions League place could come under pressure depending on other results.
“Let us not forget that Roma, Napoli, Atalanta and Fiorentina all lost here. Some of my internationals also had long journeys over the last few days, as a coach I have to take that into consideration,” Fabregas insisted.
“When you are in these situations, it is important not to lose and not to concede, even if I am the first to admit that I expected more.”
On the other side, Udinese manager Runjaic was delighted with his team’s discipline and effort against a strong opponent.
“A deserved point, we did a great job tactically. It was an intense match, in very hot conditions, but in the end it was the right result. For us, it was a great match against a Como side that came here in great form.”
He praised his players’ defensive focus and bravery.
“Against Como, you have to play with courage; they're very dangerous. Our players were really eager to get a clean sheet, we pressed very well; we needed a performance like this to face Como.”
The result continues a steady season for Udinese, who now have 40 points from 31 matches and sit comfortably in mid-table.
