Udinese of Italy goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye had his best personal performance in recent days, but his series of saves were not enough to prevent a 1-0 defeat for his Udine-based side at home against Juventus in the Serie A.
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Sports247 reports that Okoye’s name popped up at several points within the match highlights, as the self-exiled Super Eagles’ shot-stopper pulled off save-after-save, and he was eventually beaten only once in the encounter.
The result saw Juve ascend into the Serie A top four, as the Bianconeri grabbed a fourth successive away league victory without conceding a goal, while Okoye failed to keep a clean sheet for the fifth game before half-time at home.
Nonetheless, Okoye started showing his intent for a great game from the word go on Saturday, as he was equal to an effort from a tight angle by Jeremie Boga in the left channel as Juve probed for openings.
Juve’s patience was, however, rewarded in the 38th minute, as Lloyd Kelly, creator of Boga’s earlier chance, released Kenan Yildiz down the left, and the Turkish international duly squared for Boga to tap in his third goal in as many matches.
Okoye then kept up his top form in quick succession, as he deftly denied Boga and Andrea Cambiaso, then dived full length a few minutes later in order to block Manuel Locatelli before Teun Koopmeiners headed over Udinese’s bar.
Francisco Conceicao saw a goal ruled out with 20 minutes to play, after which Okoye brilliantly denied Fabio Miretti, to ensure tension continued in the away dugout, but the visitors ultimately kept their cool to see out a ninth win.
Sports247 gathered further that Juventus moved above Como and AS Roma before the pair face off on Sunday, while Udinese remain in mid-table, with their season petering out after a 10th defeat in 16 matches against sides currently in the top half.
