The former first choice goalkeeper of the senior national team of Nigeria Maduka Okoye has taken a huge step towards reclaiming his spot in the team with a commanding display for Udinese despite ending on the losing side.
Udinese were beaten 1-2 by Cagliari in extra time in the Coppa Italia, a game which the Nigerian started in goal and played the entire duration of the game for his debut for the team he joined in the summer transfer window from English Championship side Watford.
Okoye made six saves in the games, three in the first half to keep his team in the game before they took the lead but Cagliari drew level with a free kick from range. They rounded up their win win a late winner in extra time with virtually the last kick of the game.
It could have been worse for Udinese but Okoye pulled another tremendous double stop to frustrate the visitors from extending their lead. He made a total of seven saves, the highest ever by a goalkeeper of the team in the history of the tournament.
The 24 year old who was handed a recall to the senior national team of Nigeria for the last round of friendly games against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique respectively, has now sparked a debate about handing him back his role.
Head coach of the Nigerian team Jose Peseiro has stood by the goalkeeper but handed the number one spot to Francis Uzoho, who has come under severe fire for his back to back errors in the recent games.
No doubt, the return of Okoye has reignited the fight to be number one especially if he gets more games in the league with Uzoho struggling to get game time at Cyprus side Omonia Nicosia.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
