Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye conceded two goals in Udinese’s 2-0 loss to Roma but remains optimistic as he prepares to join the Super Eagles for World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria international goalkeeper Maduka Okoye endured a challenging night in Serie A as Udinese fell to a 2-0 defeat against AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.
The result sees Udinese continue their struggle for form, but the focus remains on the Super Eagles shot-stopper’s performance.
The 26-year-old, who made his fifth consecutive start for Udinese since returning from a betting-related suspension last month, was beaten by a penalty just before halftime.
Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini successfully converted the spot-kick after VAR spotted a handball.
According to Soccernet.ng reporting suggest, this marks the third consecutive penalty Okoye has failed to save this season, having also been unsuccessful against two spot-kicks in the recent clash with Juventus.
Udinese later conceded a second goal to Zeki Celik, despite Okoye attempting to thwart the low shot with his feet.
Despite the scoreline, Okoye’s command of his area and distribution were noted as composed. The defeat sends Roma to the top of the Serie A table while leaving Okoye with a season record of eight goals conceded in five appearances.
Speaking after the match, Okoye maintained a positive outlook, praising his teammates and vowing to break his penalty drought soon.
“I’m very proud of the team. We played a good match at the Olimpico, and it’s not easy against Roma, who are very strong. I’m happy. We didn’t get any points, but the performance was good,” Okoye told Udinese’s official website.
“It’s always 50-50 on penalties. I want to save one this year; I haven’t done so yet, but the time will come. It’s a shame it wasn’t today; now we have to look ahead.”
Okoye will now shift his attention to international duty, joining the Super Eagles squad for their crucial World Cup playoff against Gabon, where he is set to reignite the competition for Nigeria’s number one shirt.