Udinese 2-0 Torino: How Super Eagles GK Okoye fared as Ehizibue scores again in Serie A

Udinese produced a calm and controlled display to beat Torino 2-0 in Serie A on Saturday, with Nigerian duo Maduka Okoye and Kingsley Ehizibue playing key roles at both ends of the pitch, Afrik-Foot reports.

It was an important response from Udinese after their thrilling 3-3 draw against Lazio earlier in the week, and the result keeps their hopes of a top-half finish alive in the Serie A table.

Ehizibue continued his fine scoring form by giving Udinese the lead just before half-time. The move started with strong pressing high up the pitch, as Udinese forced a mistake from Torino’s defence. The ball eventually dropped kindly for the wing-back, who reacted quickly to poke it into the net in stoppage time of the first half.

It was his second goal in as many games, and the first time the former Cologne ace will net in back-to-back Serie A games since arriving in Italy in 2022. The Nigerian, who has now scored twice this season, was lively throughout and completed most of his passes before being substituted in the 69th minute.

Udinese doubled their lead early in the second half when Thomas Kristensen rose to head home from a well-delivered corner. That goal gave the home side full control of the match and allowed them to manage the tempo comfortably for the remainder of the game.

Okoye stands firm as Udinese secure clean sheet

While Ehizibue made the difference going forward, Okoye was equally important at the back. The Super Eagles goalkeeper delivered a composed performance, organising his defence well and making the saves required to keep Torino out.

Although he was only called into serious action once, his positioning and calm distribution helped Udinese stay in control. He completed 27 of his 38 passes and ensured there were no late nerves as Torino struggled to create clear chances. This clean sheet was Okoye’s ninth of the season, with the impressive Super Eagles goalie conceding only 30 goals in 27 league appearances.

Torino, meanwhile, found it difficult to break down Udinese’s defensive shape. Despite enjoying spells of possession, they managed very few shots on target and rarely tested Okoye in a meaningful way.

By the final whistle, Udinese had done more than enough to deserve the win. With 19 total shots and eight on target, they were the more dangerous side throughout the contest.

Up next for Okoye and Udinese is a trip to to face Cagliari at the Unipol Domus next Saturday.