Soccer
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Copyright: ImagoxIPAxSport/ABACAx
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has won an award at Udinese following a string of impressive performances, Soccernet.ng reports.
Okoye has enjoyed a stellar campaign with the Bianconeri in Serie A, establishing himself as a regular fixture for the club while registering 29 appearances and conceding just 31 goals.
Just last week, the 26-year-old shot-stopper earned his 10th clean sheet of the season. In doing so, he became the first Nigerian goalkeeper to keep 10 or more clean sheets in one of Europe’s top five leagues since Vincent Enyeama’s historic feat with Lille in 2016.
On Sunday, Udinese played their penultimate game of the campaign against Cremonese, suffering a narrow 1-0 loss in front of their home fans at the Bluenergy Stadium.
Despite Udinese dominating possession, the visitors created the sharper chances, forcing four shots on target. While Okoye saved three, one unfortunately managed to find the back of the net.
Suffering a defeat in their final home game of the campaign was undoubtedly painful—especially for Okoye, who put on a strong individual performance. Nonetheless, he still had a major silver lining to take away from the day.
Soccer Maduka Okoye Wins POTM For May
Prior to kickoff against Cremonese, Udinese presented awards to some of their standout performers of the season, with Okoye being named the club’s Player of the Month for May.
Although the month is only midway through, the award comes as Serie A enters its final game week of the season. Before the Cremonese defeat, the Bianconeri had won both of their fixtures this month, with Okoye keeping clean sheets in both matches.
This marks the first POTM award of what has been a brilliant campaign for the Nigerian, and it definitely places him in the conversation for Udinese’s Player of the Season.
Udinese will end their campaign with a challenging away fixture against Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, and Okoye will be looking to end his season on a high note.
Kelvin Omachonu
Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.
Read MoreKelvin Omachonu