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Nigeria’s Maduka Okoye endured another frustrating night in Serie A as Udinese suffered a 2–0 defeat to AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian goalkeeper, making his fifth straight start since returning from a betting-related suspension, was beaten from the spot again after VAR spotted a handball inside the Udinese box. Roma captain Lorenzo Pellegrini converted confidently, sending Okoye the wrong way to open the scoring.
Maduka Okoye speaks Dutch, Italian, German and English.
— @ (@OneJoblessBoy) June 25, 2025
He is currently learning Igbo. pic.twitter.com/7I7zKICRKA
Despite conceding, Okoye remained composed and organized his defence as Udinese pushed for an equaliser. The visitors came close late on when a shot struck the post, moments after Roma’s Zaniolo had missed a clear chance.
After the match, Okoye remained upbeat, praising his teammates’ effort and insisting he is close to saving his first penalty of the season.
“I’m very proud of the team,” Okoye said post-match. “We played a good match at the Olimpico, and it’s not easy against Roma, who are very strong. I’m happy. We didn’t get any points, but the performance was good.
Maduka Okoye kept a clean sheet against Atalanta today. pic.twitter.com/WohMvY59NL
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) November 1, 2025
“It’s always 50-50 on penalties. I want to save one this year; I haven’t done so yet, but the time will come. It’s a shame it wasn’t today; now we have to look ahead.”
Okoye has conceded eight goals in five games this season but remains Nigeria’s top-rated goalkeeper and has been called up for the World Cup playoff against Gabon in Rabat.
