Super Eagles goalkeeper made his first appearance in Serie A this season after serving a two-month betting ban as Udinese battled to a 1-1 draw against Cremonese on Monday night, Footynaija.com reports.
Unfortunately, Okoye could not mark his return with a clean sheet as Cremonese defender Filippo Terraciano put the hosts in front inside just four first half minutes before Udinese’s Nicolo Zaniolo levelled matters with another early goal in the second half.
Despite conceding an early goal, the 26-year-old went on to enjoy a solid display for the remainder of the game. He made two vital interventions to keep Udinese in the game and ultimately earn a share of the spoils.
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Okoye received his suspension in July after the Italian football authorities found him guilty of illegally betting on a Serie A match against Lazio back in March 2024.
The Nigerian goalkeeper’s punishment commenced on August 18, 2025 when Udinese played their first competitive game of the season which was a Coppa Italia clash against Serie B side Carrarese.
Due to the ban, Okoye also sat out games against Palermo, Verona, Inter Milan, Pisa, AC Milan, Sassuolo and Cagliari with Romanian shot-stopper Razvan Sava taking the gloves in his absence.
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Okoye’s immediate return to the starting XI despite Sava’s impressive performances during his enforced absence, suggests that the Nigerian remains Udinese’s favoured presence in goal.
Perhaps, even more convincing is Udinese manager Kosta Rujanic’s public endorsement of Okoye as the club’s first choice goalkeeper just before the game.
“Okoye has always been our number one, even when he wasn’t available. I’m happy he’s back. I can’t tell you if he’ll play in Cremona, but he’s ready,” Rujanic told the club’s official website.
“He’s trained well and has also used this period to reflect on himself, emerging stronger. We’re happy to have him back and have faith in him.”
With Okoye’s return to the fold, Udinese, currently in the bottom half of the Serie A table, will be looking to win as many games as possible to climb further up the standings.
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