Maduka Okoye giving Nwabali, Uzoho headaches after heroic performance for Udinese in Serie A

Maduka Okoye was in phenomenal form to help Udinese secure a vital away win against Lazio in Serie A, with his latest performance reviving hope that he could be considered a contender for Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ Number one spot. 

Lazio aimed to break a streak of consecutive losses at the Stadio Olimpico but faced early pressure as Mattia Zaccagni hit the woodwork and Luis Alberto narrowly missed. Despite Lazio's dominance in the opening 15 minutes, Udinese created chances before halftime, and Lorenzo Lucca's goal immediately after the restart gave them the lead. 

However, Udinese's advantage lasted only two minutes as Lautaro Giannetti's own goal leveled the score. In a remarkable six-minute period, Oier Zarraga's goal secured Udinese's lead. Lazio tried to mount a comeback but were thwarted by goalkeeper Maduka Okoye's impressive saves. Udinese claimed a crucial victory, ending their winless streak, while Lazio suffered their fifth loss in six matches across all competitions

Among Udinese’s performers was Nigerian goalkeeper Okoye, who made a startling six saves to keep his side in the lead against Lazio. 

The 24-year-old was in top form as he continued to stake a claim to be Udinese’s undisputed first choice goalkeeper going forward. 

His recent performances have also put him at the fore for a possible call up to the Nigerian national team as competition for the Super Eagles’ current goalkeeping choices, Stanley Nwabali and Francis Uzoho.