Maduka: Super Eagles goalie Okoye's one-man show not enough to deny Inter

Despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to league leaders Inter Milan, Maduka Okoye proved why he is currently one of the most elite shot-stoppers in Serie A with a Man of the Match worthy di​splay.

In a game where Inter Milan arrived looking to steamroll their way to a six-point lead at the top of Serie A, they found an unexpected roadblock in the form of a 6'6" Nigerian international. 

Maduka Okoye may have ended the day on the losing side, but his performance at the Bluenergy Stadium was a loud statement to Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle: the race for Nigeria’s number jersey is far from over.

Inter Milan, rotating their squad ahead of a massive Champions League clash with Arsenal, found their winner early. 

In the 20th minute, Lautaro Martínez finally broke his three-game scoring drought, clinical finishing a backheel lay-off from the impressive Francesco Pio Esposito.

Martínez's low drive was perfectly placed into the bottom right corner, leaving even a sprawling Okoye with no chance. However, from that moment on, the Okoye wall was officially closed for business.

Inter peppered the Udinese goal with 14 shots, but Okoye’s reflexes kept the contest alive until the final whistle. His performance was defined by three world-class moments:

Beyond the saves, Okoye’s distribution was a highlight. Completing 40% of his long balls as Udinese tried to use him as a primary playmaker, bypassing Inter’s press to launch counter-attacks for Keinan Davis and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp.

For Nigeria, this is the best kind of problem. With Stanley Nwabali currently holding the starting spot, Okoye’s consistent dominance in Italy provides the Super Eagles with two world-class options.

As Inter celebrate moving six points clear at the summit, Udinese fans and Nigerian supporters will be celebrating the resurgence of a goalkeeper who looks more confident and commanding than ever before.

Next Up: Udinese travel to play Hellas Verona on January 26, where Okoye will look to turn his individual heroics into three vital points for the Zebrette.