Serie A: Maduka Okoye matches career-best clean sheet record in Udinese win over Cagliari

Maduka Okoye produced another solid performance as Udinese defeated Cagliari 2-0 in Saturday’s Serie A clash.

The Nigerian goalkeeper kept his 10th clean sheet of the campaign as Udinese strengthened their push for a top-half finish with three games left this season.

Okoye shines again for Udinese

After a tense first half at the Unipol Domus, Adam Buksa broke the deadlock in the 56th minute to put Udinese ahead.

Cagliari pushed hard in search of an equaliser late on, but Okoye remained composed and produced several important saves to frustrate the hosts.

Idrissa Gueye eventually sealed the victory deep into stoppage time with Udinese’s second goal in the 96th minute.

Career-best milestone for Super Eagles star

The clean sheet means Okoye has now matched the best single-season record of his professional career.

The 25-year-old previously achieved 10 clean sheets during the 2020/21 campaign with Sparta Rotterdam in the Eredivisie.

Since arriving from Watford in 2022, Okoye has steadily rebuilt his reputation in Italy after struggling for regular opportunities in England.

Transfer interest growing

Okoye’s performances this season have reportedly attracted growing interest from some of Europe’s bigger clubs.

Inter Milan, AC Milan and Bournemouth are all believed to be monitoring the Super Eagles goalkeeper ahead of the summer transfer window.

Udinese’s latest victory lifts them to ninth in the Serie A standings as they continue an impressive finish to the season.