Super Eagles’ goalie Maduka Okoye returns for Serie A action after betting ban
Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye made his long-awaited Serie A comeback on Monday night as the Little Zebras earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Cremonese at the Stadio Giovanni Zini.
The Nigerian shot-stopper, who was handed a two-month suspension before the start of the 2025/26 campaign over betting irregularities involving close associates, reclaimed his place between the posts after serving the ban.
Although Okoye was not directly implicated in the investigation, the Italian football authorities enforced the temporary ban that sidelined him for Udinese’s opening six league games.
Making his first appearance since August, Okoye was immediately restored to the starting XI by head coach Kosta Runjaic, reaffirming his status as Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper.
The 25-year-old conceded early in the third minute when Filippo Terracciano’s header from Jari Vandeputte’s cross found the bottom corner, but he recovered well to keep his side in contention.
Okoye made two key saves, completed 22 of 29 passes (76%), and produced 10 accurate long balls (59%), reflecting his composure both in shot-stopping and ball distribution.
His most notable contribution came midway through the second half when he denied Jamie Vardy from close range, helping Udinese avoid a second defeat in three matches.
Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic had earlier expressed total faith in the Nigerian despite his time away from action. “Okoye has always been our number one, even when he wasn’t available,” Runjaic told the club’s official website. “We’re happy to have him back and have faith in him.”
