Former Udinese goalkeeper Luigi Turci has identified an area where Super Eagles shot-stopper Maduka Okoye must improve if he is to fulfil his potential at the highest level, Footynaija.com reports.
Okoye returned to Udinese’s pre-season camp in recent days after enjoying a summer break, looking to build on an encouraging 25/26 campaign that saw him firmly establish himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
The Nigerian international also put behind him the uncertainty surrounding a betting investigation after being cleared to continue his career, rewarding Udinese’s faith with a string of impressive performances between the sticks.
Related Post
Last season, the former Watford goalkeeper featured in 30 Serie A matches, keeping 10 clean sheets and posting a 68 per cent save percentage as the Zebrette secured their highest league finish in more than a decade.
Despite Okoye’s impressive campaign, Turci believes there is still room for improvement, particularly in the technical aspect of his game.
“He’s physically impressive, but his technique isn’t complete,” the former goalkeeper said, per Messaggero. “Without Sava and Nunziante behind him, we need a second.”
Recent speculation of a potential move to Juventus this summer show how highly Okoye is rated in Italy following that impressive campaign. However, Turci insists the Nigerian still has another level to reach before making the step up.
“He’s not yet at a top club level because he has to establish himself with Udinese first.”
Turci’s assessment comes at a crucial time for Okoye, who will be eager to build on last season’s performances and further strengthen his position as Udinese’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.
The former Sparta Rotterdam star will also have his eyes on the Super Eagles’ starting shirt ahead of upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification games.
