Super Eagles watch: Maduka Okoye scratches Enyeama’s record in Udinese’s 14th Serie A win

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye kept a vital clean sheet for Udinese as they secured a 2-0 victory over Cagliari at the Unipol Domus on Saturday, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Okoye has enjoyed a stellar campaign with Udinese, establishing himself as a mainstay between the sticks for the Bianconeri.

His performance against Cagliari was yet another testament to his growing influence.

​While goals from Adam Buksa and Idrissa Gueye provided the winning margin, Okoye’s presence was pivotal.

Despite Cagliari registering 22 attempts—five of which were on target—Okoye produced four crucial saves to preserve his side’s lead.

​The result propels Udinese to 9th in the Serie A table. With only two matches remaining, the club is now well-positioned to secure a top-half finish.

However, beyond the league standings, the match marked a historic milestone for Okoye in Nigerian football history.

​Maduka Okoye Chases Vincent Enyeama’s Legacy

​The shutout against Cagliari was Okoye’s 11th clean sheet of the Serie A season, a landmark achievement for the 24-year-old.

​Okoye currently ranks 9th for clean sheets in the Italian top flight. More significantly, he has become the first Nigerian goalkeeper to record ten or more clean sheets in one of Europe’s top five leagues since the legendary Vincent Enyeama kept 17 for Lille during the 2015/16 campaign.

Enyeama, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest-ever shot-stoppers, was a master of the clean sheet and a key part of Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.

For Okoye to be mentioned in the same breath is a feat in itself; his previous career best was 10 clean sheets during the 2020/21 season with Sparta Rotterdam.

​His consistent form has sparked a debate among Nigerian fans, many of whom are calling for him to be reinstated as the Super Eagles’ undisputed number one.

With high-profile friendlies against Poland and Portugal scheduled for June, Okoye is widely expected to be Coach Eric Chelle’s first choice.