'We can compete with anyone' - Okoye delighted after helping Udinese edge Roma

Nigerian international goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has expressed his delight following Udinese’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over AS Roma, insisting the result proved the team can compete with Serie A’s top sides.

Udinese secured the win on Monday night at the Bluenergy Stadium thanks to a second-half strike from Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, but it was Okoye’s commanding display in goal that proved decisive.

The Super Eagles' shot-stopper produced a series of important saves to frustrate Roma and preserve all three points for the Bianconeri.

Okoye made three vital stops during the encounter, helping Udinese register their fifth clean sheet of the season and his fourth shutout in 15 league appearances since becoming the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Speaking to Udinese’s official website after the match, the 24-year-old praised the collective effort of the squad and voiced confidence in the team’s ambitions for the remainder of the campaign.

“I’m happy to have helped the team today. We put in a great team performance. I’m happy for ourselves and for the fans. We’re working hard, all united, from the players to the staff. We can compete with anyone,” Okoye said.

The victory sees Udinese climb to ninth place in the Serie A standings with 32 points from 23 matches, keeping them firmly in the hunt for a potential UEFA Conference League qualification spot.