Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye delivered a standout performance on Saturday, playing a decisive role as Udinese Calcio stunned AC Milan 3–0 at the iconic San Siro.

The emphatic result condemned Milan to consecutive Serie A defeats for the first time since March 2025, while boosting Udinese’s push up the table with a hard-earned three points on hostile territory.

From a Nigerian perspective, the night belonged to Okoye. The 26-year-old shot-stopper was at his commanding best, producing a series of crucial saves to frustrate Milan’s attacking stars. He denied Luka Modrić twice in quick succession before pulling off an outstanding reflex save to tip Alexis Saelemaekers’ powerful effort onto the crossbar—moments that underlined his growing confidence and importance to the team.

Udinese had earlier taken the lead in the 27th minute through a deflected effort from Arthur Atta, following a driving run by Nicolò Zaniolo. The visitors doubled their advantage before the break when Jurgen Ekkelenkamp rose highest to head home from Zaniolo’s inviting cross. Atta then sealed the victory in the second half with a composed finish, capping a ruthless display from the Bianconeri.

READ ALSO: EPL: Bournemouth punish fumbling Arsenal, blow title race open

Okoye has not conceded a goal since Jérémie Boga’s 38th-minute strike in a 1-0 defeat to Juventus on 14 March.

He has now achieved a rare personal feat of three straight clean sheets in Serie A for the first time.

The victory lifts Udinese into the top half of the table and ends a run of four straight defeats against Milan. For Okoye, it marks another strong statement as he continues to cement his place both at club level and within Nigeria’s goalkeeping hierarchy.

Tunde Eludini

Tunde Eludini is a graduate of the Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria where he studied International Relations. He is a Senior Correspondent coordinating the sports section for PREMIUM TIMES. Twitter: @tundeyeludini

Okoye shines at San Siro as Udinese stun AC Milan

Suggested for you

More Stories

Ijam elders suspend INC elections, set up dispute panel

Tinubu opens 60-megawatt gas turbine in Bayelsa

ADC backs NBA, opposes court involvement in party disputes

We used event to test officials readiness - Bawah Fuseini after CAA Athletics

Volleyball has become Ghana's fastest growing sport

National Sports Fund needs strong leadership from top – Administrator David Wuaku

Discussion