Maduka Okoye Reaches Clean Sheet Milestone In Serie A
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye kept his 10th clean sheet of the season as Udinese Calcio defeated Cagliari Calcio 2-0 on Saturday.
The Nigerian shot-stopper played an important role in the victory with several fine saves during the match at the Unipol Domus Stadium.
Okoye made three key saves, including a brilliant fingertip stop in the first half to keep the score level before the break.
Udinese later took control of the game when Adam Buksa scored in the 56th minute. Idrissa Gueye added the second goal in stoppage time to secure all three points for the visitors.
The clean sheet was a special achievement for Okoye, who became the first Nigerian goalkeeper in more than 10 years to record double-digit clean sheets in one season in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
The last Nigerian goalkeeper to reach that mark was Vincent Enyeama, who kept 17 clean sheets for Lille OSC during the 2014/15 season.
Okoye’s impressive form this season has also helped Udinese move further away from the relegation zone in Serie A.
After struggling during his time in England, the 26-year-old has rebuilt his career in Italy and is now becoming one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the league.
His performances have also strengthened his position as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of future international matches.
