Maduka Okoye keeps clean sheet in Udinese Coppa Italia return

Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has successfully returned from injury, helping Udinese secure a 1-0 victory over Padova in the Coppa Italia. The 26-year-old, who had been sidelined due to a shoulder injury sustained during pre-season, kept a clean sheet in his first competitive appearance since his recovery.

Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic praised the performance, noting that while the clean sheet is a positive result, the team must remain focused on upcoming matches, including their fixture against Como. Okoye’s return provides a boost for both his club and the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, as they prepare for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Okoye previously faced a period of absence due to a suspension related to a sports betting case, but has since re-established himself as a key figure for the club. His availability offers additional depth for Nigeria’s goalkeeping department ahead of their Group L qualifying matches against Madagascar, Tanzania, and Guinea-Bissau.