Former Udinese goalkeeper Gigi Turci has thrown down the gauntlet to Super Eagles shot-stopper Maduka Okoye, insisting the Nigerian international must justify his place as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the new Serie A campaign.
Okoye has returned to pre-season training with renewed confidence after an impressive 2025/26 season in which he established himself as one of Udinese’s standout performers.
The 26-year-old produced a series of match-winning saves, kept several clean sheets, and played a crucial role in helping the Bianconeri secure valuable points throughout the campaign.
His commanding presence, athleticism and consistency between the posts earned widespread praise, cementing his status as the club’s undisputed No. 1.
Despite that progress, Turci believes there is still room for improvement if Okoye is to develop into one of Serie A’s elite goalkeepers.
The former Udinese goalkeeper praised Okoye’s physical attributes but suggested that his technical game remains a work in progress.
“He’s physically impressive, but his technique isn’t complete. Without Sava and Nunziante behind him, we need a second goalkeeper,” Turci said.
Turci, however, reserved his strongest message for the Nigerian international, making it clear that last season’s performances alone will not be enough.
“Now he has to prove himself,” he added.
The remarks underline the expectations surrounding Okoye as he prepares for another campaign in Italy’s top flight.
Having earned the trust of the coaching staff through his performances last season, the former Watford goalkeeper now faces the challenge of maintaining those standards while continuing to refine his game.
Since arriving at Udinese, Okoye has steadily rebuilt his reputation after a difficult spell in England, emerging as one of Nigeria’s most dependable goalkeepers at both club and international level.
