Udinese Manager Kosta Runjaic Praises Maduka Okoye To Boost Super Eagles Unity Cup Ambitions

Posted : 18 May 2026

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has received a timely boost regarding goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic strongly praised the 26-year-old shot-stopper for his outstanding maturity and tactical evolution this season. The German-born Nigerian keeper has cemented his spot as a vital pillar in the Italian club’s defensive system.

Okoye has started 28 of Udinese’s 36 domestic league matches during the 2025/2026 campaign. His highly impressive record includes ten clean sheets; this milestone makes him the first Nigerian goalkeeper to secure double-figure shutouts in a top-five European league since Vincent Enyeama achieved it 11 years ago. These stellar performances have pushed Udinese into a stable 10th position in the Serie A standings.

Runjaic explicitly expressed his satisfaction with Okoye's growth during a pre-match press conference ahead of their weekend fixture against US Cremonese. The manager highlighted how the former Watford player successfully navigated early-season challenges to rebuild his reputation. He credited sporting director Gokhan Inler and the specialized goalkeeping trainers for working hard to restore the player's focus.

The coach stated that Okoye's immense development is completely clear for everyone to see. He stressed that the Nigerian keeper interprets decisive match moments brilliantly and has kept the squad competitive on multiple occasions. Runjaic concluded by noting that the calm and introverted goalkeeper is now playing with the exact mental presence he expects.

This glowing endorsement comes at a perfect moment for national team coach Eric Chelle. The Super Eagles are currently preparing for the Unity Cup tournament, which officially kicks off on May 26. Nigeria will also face high-profile international friendlies against Portugal and Poland in June.

With rival goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remaining without a club since February, Okoye has made a definitive case to claim the national team's number one jersey. The Udinese star previously started for Nigeria against Iran in March, which marked his first international appearance since June 2025. Barring late fitness issues, Okoye will headline the upcoming Super Eagles squad announcement.

Udinese Manager Kosta Runjaic Praises Maduka Okoye To Boost Super Eagles Unity Cup Ambitions

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