Okoye Shines as Udinese Keeper Earns Serie A Team of the Week Spot

Maduka Okoye has been named in the Serie A Team of the Week after delivering an outstanding performance in Udinese Calcio’s emphatic 3-0 victory over AC Milan.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper secured a clean sheet in a confident and composed display, standing out among several goalkeepers who also recorded shutouts during matchweek 32. His commanding presence played a crucial role in helping Udinese seal a dominant win.

Okoye’s inclusion in the prestigious weekly lineup sees him featured alongside teammates Arthur Atta and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, as well as notable performers such as Robin Gosens, Rafael Obrador, Denzel Dumfries, Scott McTominay, Riccardo Orsolini, Marcus Thuram, Sebastiano Esposito and Donyell Malen.

The recognition highlights Okoye’s growing influence this season. He has now registered eight clean sheets in 24 league appearances and recently achieved three consecutive shutouts for the first time since joining Udinese in 2023.

His impressive club form has also earned him a return to the Super Eagles setup after missing out on the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025. He featured during the March international window, playing in Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly win over Iran in Antalya, before a thigh injury ruled him out of the subsequent 2-2 draw against Jordan.

Despite the injury setback, Okoye remains determined to solidify his place in the national team.

“I was very happy to be invited back to the national team,” he said via the club’s official platform. “It means a lot to me both professionally and personally, and I hope to earn many more call-ups.”

Since making his debut against Brazil in 2019, Okoye has earned 19 caps for Nigeria. However, he continues to face stiff competition for the number one jersey, with Arthur Okonkwo impressing at Wrexham AFC and Stanley Nwabali also pushing for a regular starting role.