SUPER Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was in superb form last night as his Udinese side defeated Fiorentina 3-0 in Udine to snap a losing run.
Christian Kabasele, Keinan Davis and Adam Buksa netted for the hosts, but Udinese still needed a big performance from the Nigeria international to earn the much-needed Serie A victory.
With the impressive shutout at the Stadio Friuli, Okoye kept his sixth clean sheet of the Serie A season in his 19th appearance.
The Super Eagles star, who voluntarily sat out the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, was excellent against Fiorentina, commanding his box and ensuring the hosts ended their three-game losing streak with a convincing victory.
Kabasele’s early header sent Udinese on their way, before Davis doubled the lead from the penalty spot, and Adam Buksa sealed the win in stoppage time.
Fiorentina, who had beaten Udinese comfortably in December, were unable to get past the unbeatable Okoye, and are now close to the relegation zone.
Since joining from Watford in January 2023, Okoye has made 65 Serie A appearances, conceding 88 goals while keeping 15 clean sheets.
With the victory, Udinese rose to 10th in the table, while Fiorentina are 16th, level on points with 18th-placed Lecce.
Meanwhile, Nigerian striker Rafiu Durosinmi started for Pisa and lasted for 63 minutes as they were beaten 1-0 at home by Bologna.
Pisa, who had Super Eagles midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro as an unused substitute, are second from bottom, nine points from safety.
