Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was in goal as Napoli pipped Udinese 1-0 in the final game of the Serie A season.

Okoye Keeps 10 Clean Sheets

The Nigerian international, who was making his 30th appearance, has kept 10 cleansheets and conceded 32 goals this season for Udinese.

Napoli almost made the perfect start after just 65 seconds when Alisson Santos cut inside and forced Maduka Okoye into a smart stop low to his left, but the Brazilian saw his day ended early when he appeared to injure his hamstring when chasing a ball over the top.

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However, it was his replacement, Kevin De Bruyne, that helped create the opening goal in the 24th minute, with his incisive pass gathered by Hojlund, who took a couple of touches before firing into the bottom-left corner.

With this victory, Napoli raised their tally to 76 points, finishing the season in second place in the Italian league standings, and secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

In contrast, Udinese’s tally froze at 50 points, placing them in tenth position in the standings.

Okoye’s Incredible Season

Okoye had a stellar 2025/2026 season for Udinese, being named the club’s Player of the Season after a phenomenal comeback.

Despite an early-season suspension, he solidified his spot as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, keeping 10 clean sheets in 30 Serie A appearances.

His resilience and consistent performances were praised by Head Coach Kosta Runjaic, making him a central figure in Udinese’s success.

Udinese Backed Okoye Through A Difficult Period

Runjaic further disclosed that the club invested heavily in helping the Nigerian international rediscover stability and confidence during the difficult period.

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According to the Udinese boss, sporting director Gökhan İnler maintained regular conversations with Okoye, while the club’s goalkeeping department also continued intensive work behind the scenes.

“Overall, we’re working hard with him; İnler talks to him often, the goalkeeping coaches work hard with him; he’s maturing,” he explained.

“Every player needs a different period to mature and reach their level. Now he’s playing calmly, focused, and always mentally present, both in matches and in training.”