Okoye sends clear message to Chelle with clean sheet vs Lookman’s Atalanta
Maduka Okoye delivered a statement performance as Udinese edged past Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta 1-0 on Saturday, keeping his first clean sheet of the season and reminding Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle of his reliability between the posts.
Statement performance ahead of squad announcement
With Nigeria’s next squad list expected next week, Okoye’s confident performance was perfectly timed.
The 26-year-old looked assured throughout, as Atalanta failed to register a single shot on target. Nicolò Zaniolo’s first-half strike was enough to secure Udinese’s second straight home win.
Redemption after turbulent start
Saturday’s clean sheet was Okoye’s first in Serie A since April 2025 and a personal milestone after serving an eight-match suspension earlier this season for a betting-related offence.
He conceded six goals in his first three games after returning but appears to have regained form and focus.
Pushing for Super Eagles recall
The former Watford goalkeeper was left out of Chelle’s recent World Cup qualifying squads but could force his way back into contention.
In his sole appearance under the Malian tactician, a 1-1 friendly draw with Russia last June, Okoye impressed with his composure and distribution, suggesting he remains a strong option for Nigeria’s goalkeeping department.
