Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye made a successful return to action on Monday evening, helping Udinese secure a 1–1 draw against Cremonese in their Serie A clash.
Okoye’s appearance marked the end of a two-month suspension imposed by Italian football authorities over fair play violations linked to illegal betting involving his associates. Though initially facing heavier sanctions for alleged sporting fraud, the Nigerian shot-stopper was cleared of major charges, with his suspension officially lifted on October 16.
Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaic wasted no time reinstating Okoye as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, replacing Romanian backup Răzvan Sava, who had struggled during his absence, managing just one clean sheet and conceding nine goals in league play.
Cremonese took an early lead through Filippo Terracciano, who headed home from a fourth-minute set piece. However, Okoye grew into the game, showing sharp reflexes and command of his area despite his lengthy layoff.
Udinese leveled the score in the 51st minute when Nicolò Zaniolo rose highest to head home a precise cross, sending relief through the traveling supporters. The encounter turned into a tight tactical battle afterward, with both sides pushing for a winner but unable to find the breakthrough.
Okoye produced two crucial saves, including a spectacular one-on-one stop against Jamie Vardy in the 59th minute, a moment that underlined his readiness to reclaim the starting role.
While the result extended Udinese’s winless streak to four matches, the draw lifted them to 11th place in the Serie A standings with nine points, just one adrift of Cremonese in 10th.
Udinese will next face US Lecce, as Okoye and his teammates aim to end their run of draws and return to winning ways.
