Tag: Maduka Okoye

Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaic has defended  Maduka Okoye following the Super Eagles goalkeeper’s early red card that derailed the Bianconeri in a crushing 5–1 Serie A defeat to Fiorentina, while admitting his disappointment with how the team collapsed thereafter.

Udinese started brightly and were in control until the eighth minute, when Okoye was sent off for a foul on Fiorentina forward Moise Kean after rushing out of his area to intercept a through ball. Referee Maurizio Mariani showed a straight red card without VAR intervention, leaving Udinese to battle with 10 men for virtually the entire contest.

Despite backing his goalkeeper, Runjaic felt his side still had enough to compete. “We played well in the first five minutes. You could see Fiorentina were struggling, but then we gave them a great gift with the red card,” the coach said. “Mistakes happen and we lost a player, but even with ten men you can still put in a good performance and win.”

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Instead, Fiorentina capitalised ruthlessly, racing into a 3–0 half-time lead and eventually running out 5–1 winners to secure their first league victory of the season. Runjaic lamented Udinese’s poor reaction to adversity, adding: “I’m disappointed with our lack of reaction. We conceded too much and went into half-time 3–0 down against a team fighting for survival. It’s not easy to recover from that. It’s a shame for our fans.”

Following the match, Okoye took responsibility for the turning point and issued a brief apology to supporters. “I’m sorry, Bianconeri,” the Nigerian goalkeeper wrote on Snapchat, acknowledging the impact of his dismissal on the team’s collapse.

The defeat leaves Udinese 12th on the Serie A table, and they will be without the suspended Okoye when they host Lazio on December 27, a game Runjaic insists must show a response. “We’re very disappointed,” he said, “but we’ll come back stronger against Lazio.”

Nigeria international goalkeeper Maduka Okoye says he is ready to take the next major step in his career following his revival at  in Serie A side, Udinese, admitting that his difficult spell at Watford played a key role in shaping the player he has become.

In an exclusive chat with Footy-Africa, Okoye reflected on his 2021 move to Watford from Sparta Rotterdam — a €5m transfer that was expected to elevate his career.

Instead, he found himself stuck as the club’s third-choice goalkeeper, limited to just two cup appearances — a Carabao Cup loss to MK Dons and an FA Cup defeat to Reading — without a single Championship outing.

The then-22-year-old battled fitness issues and recovered from shoulder surgery during his time at Vicarage Road, a phase he described as mentally and physically draining.

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 “My time at Watford was challenging — there was a lot happening, not only on the pitch but also off it. I was younger and dealing with many things at the same time, including recovering from shoulder surgery. It was a tough period,” Okoye told Footy-Africa.

He eventually made the switch to Udinese, where after a slow start, he forced his way to the top of the pecking order. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the most improved and reliable goalkeepers in Serie A.

With his confidence and form fully restored, Okoye believes the experience has prepared him for the next chapter.

 “I want to take the next step in my career,” he said — a hint that the in-form shot-stopper could be open to a big move in the near future.

Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaic has expressed his delight over the return of Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, describing the Super Eagles star as an integral part of the team’s structure.

Okoye made his comeback in the 1-1 draw against Cremonese after missing several matches due to a suspension linked to an alleged betting issue — from which he has now been cleared of any wrongdoing.

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Runjaic, visibly pleased with the player’s attitude and professionalism, said the entire coaching staff was happy to have their “number one” back in contention.

 “Okoye has always been our first-choice goalkeeper, even when he wasn’t available,” Runjaic told the club’s official website. “He has trained well and used his time away to reflect and come back stronger. We’re very happy to have him back.”

By Joshua Osinowo

‎Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, is set to return to action in the Italian Serie A next week after serving a suspension for his alleged involvement in a betting-related incident.

‎The Udinese Calcio shot-stopper was banned in late July after being found guilty of intentionally earning a yellow card during a league match against Lazio — an act reportedly linked to a betting scheme.

‎Following months on the sidelines, Okoye has now been cleared to re-join the squad. His teammate and fellow goalkeeper, Daniele Padelli, confirmed the news during “Udinese Tonight,” a weekly football show on TV12.

‎Padelli disclosed that the Nigerian international remained focused and in excellent shape throughout his suspension.

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‎“He’s been training hard, as if he was playing every week, maybe even more than before,” Padelli said. “He used the time to work on small details. Now that the suspension is over, it’s up to the coach to decide who starts.”

‎In a light-hearted comment, Padelli added:‎“The only sure thing is that I’ll drop further down the pecking order,” he joked. “Maduka has a strong personality, he doesn’t let pressure get to him.”

‎Okoye’s return comes as a timely boost for Udinese, who have struggled for consistency in goal since his absence. It also offers renewed hope for Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of the forthcoming  2025  Africa Cup of Nations  in Morocco.

• By Yusuf Kareem

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has opened up about his growing confidence and development since moving to Serie A.

Born in Germany on 28^th  August  1999,  Okoye plies  his goalkeeping trade  with Udinese and  has 16  Nigeria International caps under his belt. The 25-year-old was loaned to Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam from English side Watford during the 2022–2023 season, before joining Udinese  on a permanent basis  later that year.

Reflecting on his journey and adaptation to Italian football, Okoye  who was recently  named as a Sports Ambassador  for Enugu State, said:  “There are different levels in football. Coming from the Championship and the Netherlands to Serie A, the game is faster, more precise, tactical, and physical.”

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He  further highlighted the increased intensity of play in Italy: “The crosses come in with a lot of speed. At first, I wasn’t fully used to it, but thankfully the coach gave me the time I needed. I think I’ve adapted really well, especially in my last game.”

After returning from a three-month injury layoff, Okoye feels rejuvenated. “I’m back in form, feeling very good and in top shape. I’m very confident in my game right now. I adapted quickly thanks to the coaches who trusted and believed in me,” he stated.

Okoye’s return to form comes as a boost for both Udinese and the Nigerian national team ahead of upcoming fixtures.

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is at risk of up to a four-year ban for sporting fraud after he was deferred to the disciplinary commission.

The shot-stopper is accused of purposefully receiving a yellow card at the 64th minute during a Serie A match between Udinese and Lazio.

The match was played on March 11, 2024, and he was booked for time-wasting with his team leading 2-1.

Authorities flagged a rush of suspicious betting activity around Okoye receiving a yellow card, which at 8/1 odds allegedly generated over €120,000 in winning bets.

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Most of them were based around the provinces of the city of Udine.

Okoye was placed under investigation along with three friends, including the owner of a pizza restaurant in Udine, and has now been deferred to the disciplinary commission.

The charges are more serious than previously thought, namely of sporting fraud rather than just irregular betting.

Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye has revealed his admiration at the crucial point gained away by Udinese at ambitious Lazio on Monday night.

Udinese had Nigerian goalkeeper Okoye back in action after three months and ten days out with a wrist injury and the goalie expressed his happiness at the improvement from his team.

“I’m really happy today, both for myself and for the team. We’re all delighted and we want to keep going like this,” Okoye disclosed.

The former Watford goalkeeper admitted it was a torrid time for him being on the treatment table for over three months but acknowledged the role played by the club singling out Udinese other goalkeeper, Daniele Padelli who aided his recovery.

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“It was difficult for me sitting on the sidelines but I’ve come back into a team that’s improved in recent months. [Daniele] Padelli has helped me lots and so has everyone. I’m very grateful. He’s a great goalkeeper and a great person.”

Okoye was omitted in the 23 man squad released by Super Eagles head coach, Eric Sekou Chelle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month despite initially making the 39 man list.

Eagles goalie returns  to football April 13

Super Eagles goalie, Maduka Okoye is set to miss Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers  next month against Rwanda and Zimbabwe as he is expected to return to full competitive fitness by April 13.

Okoye recently underwent successful surgery for a ligament injury, which was initially expected to side-line him for several months. However, another twist emerged when reports surfaced that he was being investigated for allegedly placing a bet to receive a yellow card during a Serie A match against Lazio on March 11, 2024.

Okoye’s lawyer Maurizio Conti recently denied allegations labelled against his client also revealing the authorities visited his apartment in search of betting tickets but only found gloves and football boots.

“We are calm. That type of warning is not unusual during a football match, especially if your team is winning,” Conti said. “My client (Okoye) learned of his entry in the register of suspects at the end of December when the judicial police searched his home for any betting receipts.”

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According to Transfermarkt, Okoye will only be cleared for competitive action on April 13. This timeline effectively rules him out of Nigeria’s  forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Although there  were reports that Okoye has resumed training, it remains uncertain whether his wrist has fully healed from surgery.

With Stanley Nwabali as the only proven goalkeeper for the Super Eagles, head coach Eric Chelle may need to explore options within the Nigeria Premier Football League or consider eligible players of Nigerian descent abroad to bolster the squad.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has fully recovered from his injury and has re-joined training with his Udinese teammates.

The Nigerian goalkeeper is reuniting with his teammates amid betting scandal he is currently facing.

The 25-year-old shot-stopper had been sidelined since December 2024 due to a torn Scapholunate ligament in his right wrist.

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As reported by Italian outlet Tutto, Okoye returned to training on Wednesday alongside the rest of the squad.

 “It was a day of returns at the Bruseschi sports centre, as several players who had been out of action for weeks due to injury were seen back on the field. In addition to Keinan Davis and Kingsley Ehizibue, Maduka Okoye also participated in the week’s training session, which prepares the team for their upcoming match against Napoli,” the outlet stated.