Good news for Eric Chelle as Maduka Okoye plays major role in Udinese win against Lecce

Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was in goal as Udinese secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Lecce in a thrilling Serie A match on Saturday.

The win marked a return to form for Udinese, who had been without a victory in their previous three games, which included one loss and two draws. The result lifts them to eighth place in the league standings with 12 points.

This was Okoye's second appearance for the club since his return to action following a suspension related to betting allegations.

Udinese established an early lead when Jesper Karlstrom found the net in the 16th minute. Keinan Davis doubled their advantage before halftime, scoring in the 37th minute to make it 2-0.

Lecce mounted a comeback in the second half, with Medon Berisha pulling a goal back in the 59th minute. However, Adam Buksa appeared to seal the win for Udinese with a goal in the 89th minute, extending their lead to 3-1.

Maduka Okoye delivered an important save to help Udinese take the maximum points late in the game.

In the final minutes of normal time, with Udinese clinging to a narrow lead and Lecce desperately pushing for an equaliser, the goalkeeper produced a stunning save to deny a long-range shot from Lecce's Álex Sala.

The attempt from outside the box was a powerful drive aimed for the top left corner, but Okoye reacted with a full-stretch dive, tipping the ball over the bar. This save proved crucial in helping to maintain the slender advantage just before Adam Buksa scored Udinese's third goal moments later, which ultimately sealed the win despite a late Lecce consolation.