Okoye Shines As Udinese Keeper Earns Serie A Team Of The Week Spot

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has continued his fine form in Italy by earning a spot in the Serie A Team of the Week following Udinese Calcio’s shocking 3-0 triumph over AC Milan.

The 26-year-old shot-stopper delivered a confident and commanding display at the San Siro on April 11, 2026, helping the visitors secure a memorable clean sheet against one of Serie A’s big sides. Udinese stunned the Rossoneri with goals from a Davide Bartesaghi own goal, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, and Arthur Atta, producing one of the biggest upsets of matchweek 32.

Okoye’s composure between the sticks stood out even among other goalkeepers who kept shutouts that weekend. His presence anchored Udinese’s defence and played a key role in frustrating Milan’s attackers throughout the encounter.

The Nigerian international’s selection in the prestigious weekly team sees him line up alongside club teammates Arthur Atta and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp. Other notable inclusions in the Team of the Week are Robin Gosens, Rafael Obrador, Denzel Dumfries, Scott McTominay, Riccardo Orsolini, Marcus Thuram, Sebastiano Esposito, and Donyell Malen.

This latest recognition underlines Okoye’s growing influence at Udinese this season. The former Sparta Rotterdam keeper has now kept eight clean sheets in 24 Serie A appearances and recently recorded three consecutive shutouts for the first time since joining the club in 2023. His club heroics have not gone unnoticed back home.

Okoye earned a recall to the Super Eagles squad for the March 2026 international window after missing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He featured in Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly victory over Iran in Antalya, Turkey, before a thigh injury sidelined him for the subsequent 2-2 draw against Jordan.

Despite the minor setback, the determined keeper remains focused on cementing his place in the national team setup under coach Eric Chelle. Speaking via Udinese’s official platform, Okoye expressed his joy at the call-up.

“I was very happy to be invited back to the national team. It means a lot to me both professionally and personally, and I hope to earn many more call-ups.”

Since making his senior debut for Nigeria against Brazil in 2019, Maduka Okoye has amassed 19 caps for the Super Eagles. However, he faces strong competition for the number one jersey, with talents like Arthur Okonkwo shining at Wrexham and Stanley Nwabali also pushing hard for regular game time.

NaijaChoice News understands that Okoye’s consistent club performances could prove vital as Nigeria prepares for future assignments, including World Cup qualifiers. Fans back home are already celebrating the shot-stopper’s rise, with many hailing his display against Milan as another proud moment for Nigerian football in Europe.

As the Serie A season heads into its final stretch, all eyes remain on the Udinese keeper to see if he can maintain this impressive momentum both at club and country level.