Super Eagles: 2 factors behind Maduka Okoye’s struggles at Udinese

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has endured a difficult start to the 2026/27 season at Serie A club Udinese.

Okoye has been at the club since 2023 and enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, helping Udinese secure a top-half finish in the league and his performances also earned him the club’s Player of the Season award.

However, this season has been more difficult for both the goalkeeper and his club. Udinese have struggled for consistency and sit 16th in the Serie A standings, with four points from seven matches after recording just one win, five defeats and one draw.

Their 3-0 defeat to Lecce last weekend extended their losing run in the league to five consecutive matches and it was also the fourth time during that period that they had conceded more than one goal in a game.

Several factors have contributed to Udinese’s poor run and Afrik-Foot takes a look at two major reasons behind the Super Eagles goalkeeper’s struggles this season.

Udinese’s poor defence

One major factor behind Okoye’s difficult start to the season has been Udinese’s defensive problems.

The Italian side have conceded 16 goals in the league, a number that places them level with bottom-placed Venezia, while only Monza, who have played a game more, have conceded more with 18.

Their defensive struggles have left the Super Eagles goalkeeper exposed on several occasions, making it difficult for him to keep them in games. Although he has produced several saves and ranks among the league’s top goalkeepers in that category, his efforts have not been enough to prevent Udinese from slipping further down the table.

Their run of five consecutive league defeats further highlights the scale of the problem. Until the defenders improve their concentration and ability to deal with opposition attacks, Okoye is likely to continue facing difficult situations in goal.

The Super Eagles star’s individual mistakes

While Udinese’s defensive problems have contributed to Okoye’s struggles, the Super Eagles goalkeeper has also made mistakes of his own this season.

The 27-year-old, who has been heavily linked with an exit from the Italian club, remains a capable shot-stopper, but his error in the game against Torino proved costly for his side, as it contributed to them conceding a second goal.

Okoye will therefore need to improve his concentration and decision-making to avoid giving opponents further opportunities to punish Udinese and he must also remain very consistent, which will be important if he wants to maintain his position as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and continue building on the progress he made last season.

Udinese face another difficult test on Sunday when they take on AC Milan, with the club hoping to end their losing run and return to winning ways.

Okoye, meanwhile, will be looking to record his first clean sheet of the season and finally end his wait for a shutout and a strong performance against Milan could provide a timely boost as he looks to regain his best form.