'Hasn't played for 2 months' - Udinese coach defends Okoye after conceding twice against Lecce

Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic defended Maduka Okoye following his side's 3-2 victory over Lecce in Serie A on Saturday, noting that the Super Eagles goalkeeper's limited game time made the outing a challenging one.

Okoye missed Udinese's opening fixtures of the 2024-25 season while serving a two-month ban for a betting-related offence. 

He made his season debut in a 1-1 draw against Cremonese and returned between the sticks for the clash with Lecce.

The Nigerian international is still seeking his first clean sheet of the campaign, conceding two second half goals at the Bluenergy Stadium.

Udinese led 2-0 at halftime thanks to strikes from Jesper Karlstrom and Keinan Davis, but Medon Berisha pulled one back with a spectacular free-kick in the 58th minute, leaving Okoye catching thin air as the ball flew into the net. 

Ten minutes later, Okoye misjudged a corner but was fortunate when his defence cleared the danger.

Adam Buksa restored Udinese's two-goal cushion in the 89th minute, only for Konan N'Dri to fire a stunning shot into the top corner from outside the box, beating Okoye once again.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Runjaic said: "Okoye hasn't played for two months, he's only been on the pitch in training. I think it's not an easy situation for anyone in general. 

"He didn't have much to do in the first half, but despite that, we need to maintain the right level of concentration. I still have to review the goals. 

"Okoye tried to give his all. his best, it's a success that gives an important boost on a psychological level."

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will be monitoring Okoye's performances ahead of his squad announcement for next month's 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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