Super Eagles keeper Okoye powerless, Success injured again as Udinese squander chance to seal Serie A safety

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye could only watch on as Udinese squandered a golden chance to secure their Serie A status after being held 1-1 at home by fellow strugglers Empoli.

In a match where three Nigerians started, Okoye was joined by Isaac Success and Nigeria-eligible defender Kingsley Ehizibue for the crunch relegation six-pointer.

Udinese's survival bid was rocked early on in the match when Success was forced off with injury after just seven minutes.

Despite dominating for large spells, the home side lacked a cutting edge, with substitute Keinan Davis missing a guilt-edged chance to break the deadlock after the break.

And they were made to pay for their profligacy when Empoli were awarded a late penalty, converted by Senegal striker M’Baye Niang despite Okoye getting a hand to the effort.

The drama was far from over, however, as Udinese were then handed a lifeline of their own from the spot after a long VAR check, with Lazar Samardzic keeping his cool to level and ensure the relegation scrap goes down to the final day.

While a point edges them closer to safety, the missed opportunity will be a bitter pill to swallow for Okoye and his Nigerian teammates, with their Serie A status still hanging precariously in the balance.