Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has expressed satisfaction after helping Udinese secure a 1-1 draw against Como in their opening Serie A fixture of the season.
Okoye produced an impressive performance at home, making five important saves as Udinese held on to claim a point against a strong Como side. The Nigerian goalkeeper was particularly important after the visitors equalised in the second half.
Udinese took the lead inside the opening 30 minutes when Hassane Kamara finished after running onto a pass from Jürgen Ekkelenkamp before calmly chipping the ball over Como goalkeeper Jean Butez.
Como responded after the interval. Okoye initially produced an excellent save to deny Trevoh Chalobah's header, but he was unable to prevent Tasos Douvikas from converting the rebound.
The Nigerian goalkeeper was called into action again shortly afterwards, making another impressive save to prevent Douvikas from completing the comeback.
Reflecting on the result, Okoye praised his teammates and the Udinese supporters for their contribution.
He described the point as important, saying the team had gone into the match hoping to win but could still be satisfied with the draw. He also expressed happiness at helping his teammates with his saves and praised the collective effort.
The goalkeeper also highlighted the importance of playing in front of Udinese's home supporters, saying their backing gave the team additional motivation.
The draw came after Udinese had already begun their competitive campaign with a 1-0 victory over Padova in the Coppa Italia first round.
Okoye's performance against Como will provide further encouragement after he recently returned from a shoulder injury that had kept him out during part of pre-season.
The 26-year-old will now look to maintain his strong start as Udinese prepare for their next Serie A fixture away against Monza.
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