Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye put in a solid performance, but it was not enough to prevent Udinese from suffering a 1-0 defeat to Bologna in their Serie A clash at the Stadio Renato Dall’Aara.
In a closely contested match, chances were limited in the first half. Okoye was tested in the 35th minute when Tommaso Pobega struck from distance, but the Nigerian goalkeeper reacted quickly to push the effort away.
Bologna increased the pressure after the break, and Okoye was called into action again. Riccardo Orsolini capitalised on a defensive mistake, but Okoye came off his line quickly to make an important block and keep Udinese in the game.
The turning point came late on after a VAR review led to a penalty decision. Referee Matteo Marcenaro ruled that Jesper Karlström had committed a foul on the edge of the box. Federico Bernardeschi converted from the spot to give the home side the lead.
Udinese tried to respond in the closing minutes but were unable to find an equaliser.
Okoye ended the game with four saves and 43 touches of the ball, showing his involvement throughout the match despite the narrow defeat.
