Maduka Okoye penalty save helps Udinese end six-game losing run

Maduka Okoye said Udinese “need points” after his penalty save secured a draw against Parma and brought an end to the club’s run of six consecutive Serie A defeats.

The Nigeria goalkeeper stopped Adrian Bernabe from the spot after the ball struck Udinese defender James Abankwah’s arm. Okoye had initially fumbled a corner before the incident, which led to the penalty being awarded.

His intervention earned him the Man of the Match award, according to Complete Sports, although the result was mixed for Kosta Runjaic’s side. Udinese created the clearer opportunities and had several chances to take all three points, meaning the draw represented both a valuable escape and a missed opportunity.

Okoye said on Udinese’s official website that the team approached the match wanting to win, but had to settle for a single point.

He added that the squad had already turned its attention to the next fixture. The goalkeeper described the penalty stop as an instinctive reaction and said Udinese had been unfortunate in recent matches.

Okoye also acknowledged the impact of Nicolo Zaniolo’s absence, saying the team had missed the player.

A result with significance for Udinese

The point could prove important for Udinese as they continue their fight to avoid relegation. Ending a six-match losing sequence gives Runjaic’s side a platform from which to try to recover, even though the performance suggested they could have taken more from the game.

For Okoye, the save also offered a timely reminder of his ability to stop shots at a crucial stage of the season. It may provide encouragement for Nigeria as well, with Soccernet having previously reported on his Inter link and the Super Eagles’ clean-sheet run.

Udinese must now establish whether the goalkeeper’s penalty save marks the beginning of a genuine improvement or remains an isolated moment in a difficult campaign.