Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye delivered an impressive display for Udinese on Saturday, but his efforts were not enough to prevent a narrow 1–0 defeat to Juventus, Footynaija.com reports.
The decisive moment came late in the first half when Turkish youngster Kenan Yildiz produced a brilliant run down the left flank before cutting the ball back into the box for Jeremie Boga, who finished from close range to hand the Old Lady the lead.
Udinese nearly responded immediately after Juventus struggled to clear a cross into the area. The loose ball fell kindly to Arthur Atta at the back post, but the French defender could only volley his effort narrowly wide from about three yards out.
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The scoreline could have been far heavier if not for Okoye’s heroics between the posts. He faced eight shots on target and produced seven saves to keep Udinese in the contest, denying efforts from Manuel Locatelli, Yildiz, Fabio Miretti and Boga twice as Juventus piled on the pressure.
Despite his standout performance, Okoye admitted, while speaking to the club’s official media channel after the match, that the result remained the most important factor.
“Today we had the opportunity to get at least a point, but Juventus is a very strong team. Now we have to focus on the next match. I’m happy with my performance, but in the end, what matters is that the team gets points.”
The result meant Udinese missed out on an opportunity to climb into the top half of the Serie A standings, as they remain in 11th place. Meanwhile, Juventus broke into the top four.
Okoye and Udinese will have a shot at redemption next weekend, when they travel to Genova to take on Genoa at the Stade Comunale Luigi Ferraris.
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