Udinese coach asks fans to stay patient with Maduka Okoye

Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaic has called on supporters to remain patient with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after his costly mistake in the club’s 3-0 defeat to Bologna last weekend.

Okoye saved a penalty from Riccardo Orsolini during the match, but an error later led to Bologna’s second goal. The 26-year-old only recently returned to action after serving a ban linked to a betting issue and apologised after the game, saying the loss was painful to accept.

Runjaic has defended his goalkeeper, stating that Okoye has been working hard in training and needs time to fully return to his best. The coach added that the team is focused on correcting mistakes and improving with every match.

He explained that several players in the squad are still adapting, including those who have not featured much this season. The manager believes Okoye will improve with more playing time and confidence.

Looking ahead to their upcoming fixture against Parma, Runjaic said Udinese are in a growth phase and the results of their work will show with time. He stressed that the team is aiming to pick up points over the next few games and climb the league table.

Okoye has made six appearances for Udinese this season, with one clean sheet and one penalty save to his name.