Okoye shines as Udinese beat Torino away

Okoye shines as Udinese beat Torino away

Super Eagles and Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye inspired his Serie A side to victory over Torino Wednesday night with reflexive saves.

Although the Nigerian conceded a late goal, his heroics in between the goals were enough to give Udines all three precious points in the surprising away victory, as Nicolò Zaniolo and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp were decisive.

Udinese had the ball in the net after 18 minutes with Christian Kabasele’s header, and it was initially disallowed for offside. However, the VAR review showed he was onside, and it was ruled out for handball instead.

Moments later, Cesare Casadei’s header forced a tough save out of Maduka Okoye, while Nicolò Zaniolo’s volley flashed just wide from the edge of the area.

An acrobatic Giovanni Simeone chest and bicycle-kick volley was straight at Okoye, but Udinese had two huge opportunities.

Thomas Kristensen almost gifted Torino an equaliser with his comical back-pass without looking, so Okoye had to sprint back to clear off the line.

Arthur Atta’s counter-attack sent Davis through, but Saul Coco managed two twist at the last second and deflect the finish over the bar.

Torino also threatened, as Okoye got just enough on Cyril Ngonge’s angled drive to slow it down, allowing Kabasele to clear off the line.