Super Eagles outcast Maduka Okoye gets World Cup winner as new Zebrette coach

Nigeria's Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye will have a new face in the dugout for the remainder of the Serie A season.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Maduka’s Italian club Udinese have appointed legendary Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro as their new head coach.

The 2006 World Cup-winning captain takes over the reins at the Stadio Friuli with the Zebrette precariously positioned just one point above the relegation zone in 17th place.

His immediate task will be to steer Udinese clear of the drop as they battle to preserve their top-flight status amid a disappointing campaign to date.

The 50-year-old has been handed a contract that runs until the end of June, suggesting Udinese's hierarchy views this as a short-term fix rather than a long-term appointment.

An icon in Italian football, Cannavaro will be expected to quickly steady the ship and provide the leadership and know-how to guide the club through this perilous period.

For Okoye, Cannavaro's arrival represents a new voice and perspective in the dressing room as the Super Eagles shot-stopper aims to maintain his position as number one after he rediscovered his best form in the fight for survival.

The Nigerian will hope the inspirational figure of a World Cup winner can galvanise the Udinese squad and help the club avoid the unthinkable prospect of relegation to Serie B.

With six games remaining, Cannavaro will begin his reign when Udinese and Roma meet to finish their suspended match following the collapse of Ivorian defender Evan Ndicka.

 The pressure will be on Cannavaro, who has managed clubs in China and Saudi Arabia, to hit the ground running and swiftly turn around the club's fortunes.