Udinese have been the surprise team of the Italian Serie A after winning three of their first four games of the season, a run that saw them go top of the league before Torino’s 3-2 win over Verona yesterday pushed them to second.
Led by little known German coach Kosta Runjaić , who was only brought in before the start of the season as a replacement for Fabio Cannavaro their style of play has generated a buzz in the country.
From the Nigerian angle goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been talked about the most for his performance in their rise to the top of the table, but one time Super Eagles Invitee Kingsley Ehizibue has also been as pivotal as Okoye.
Ehizibue has played in all of their games this season like Okoye and the right back has an assist to his name so far. A start of the season that has got him dreaming of another chance at international football after administrative issues deny him his debut, three years ago when he was handed a first time call up by former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr.
Born in Germany and raised in Netherlands, whom he represented at under-age level, but the 29 year old makes no secret of the fact that his dream is to represent Nigeria
“On weeks like this (International break), when I see everyone’s gone away on international duty, I think, ‘Oh man, I need to do something to change this!’ I don’t want to be left here training with just 10 other guys,” he tells GOAL, laughing.
“Even just for that reason, I’m desperate to get called up!”
