Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye marked his long-awaited comeback to competitive football in a 1-1 draw against Cremonese in Serie A action on Monday evening.
Okoye had been sidelined since late August due to a two-month suspension handed down by the Italian football authorities for fair play violations related to illegal betting involving associates close to him.
Cleared of more severe sporting fraud charges, the ban was officially lifted on October 16, paving the way for his immediate reinstatement as Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Head coach Kosta Runjaic wasted no time in thrusting Okoye back into action.
During his absence, Romanian backup Răzvan Sava had shouldered the responsibility, but with just one clean sheet and nine goals conceded in league play.
Cremonese struck first in emphatic fashion, as defender Filippo Terracciano headed into the net from a set piece in the fourth minute.
The early setback tested Okoye’s sharpness, but the former Sparta Rotterdam man held firm, conceding just the one goal as his side clawed their way back into the contest.
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Moments later the equalizer arrived with Nicolò Zaniolo (51′) rising highest to head home a pinpoint cross, much to the relief of the traveling supporters.
From there, it was a gritty affair, with both teams probing for a winner but ultimately settling for a point apiece.
Okoye showed composure under pressure, making two key saves — including a standout one-on-one denial of Jamie Vardy in the 59th minute.
The result extended Udinese’s winless streak to four matches but nudged them up to 11th place with nine points, just one behind their hosts in 10th.
Udinese next face US Lecce in the Serie A as they look to end their winless run.
