Maduka Okoye has received strong backing from Kosta Runjaic, with the Udinese manager describing the Nigerian goalkeeper as one of the major pillars behind the club’s defensive stability this season.
The Super Eagles shot stopper has rebuilt both his confidence and reputation in Italy following a turbulent spell at Watford, emerging as one of Udinese’s standout performers during the current Serie A campaign.
Okoye has registered 10 clean sheets in the league this season and continues to play a crucial role in Udinese’s push for a strong finish to the campaign.
Speaking ahead of Udinese’s clash against Cremonese, Runjaic praised the Nigerian goalkeeper’s maturity, composure and mental growth after overcoming one of the most difficult periods of his career.
Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic. Photocredit: Getty Images
The German tactician admitted that Okoye’s development this season has been visible both on and off the pitch, especially in the way the goalkeeper now handles pressure situations during games.
“Okoye’s evolution is clear for all to see. He’s crucial for our defence,” Runjaic told Udinese’s official website.
“He has interpreted key moments well and kept us in the game several times.”
Runjaic also expressed satisfaction with Okoye’s consistency and professionalism after a difficult beginning to the season.
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The Nigerian goalkeeper started the campaign under challenging circumstances following his suspension linked to a sports betting investigation, which disrupted his preparation and kept him sidelined for a period.
Despite the setbacks, the Udinese manager revealed that Okoye remained committed to improving himself both physically and mentally.
“I’m very happy with the level he’s performing at. We know how his season started; it’s not easy to prepare without being able to play, but he’s worked hard on himself,” Runjaic said.
Maduka Okoye in action for Italian side Udinese. PhotoCredit Getty images
Runjaic further disclosed that Udinese invested significant effort in helping the Nigerian international regain stability and confidence during the difficult phase.
According to the Udinese boss, sporting director Gökhan İnler maintained regular conversations with Okoye, while the club’s goalkeeping coaches also continued intensive work behind the scenes.
“Overall, we’re working hard with him; İnler talks to him often, the goalkeeping coaches work hard with him; he’s maturing,” he explained.
“Every player needs a different period to mature and reach their level. Now he’s playing calmly, focused, and always mentally present, both in matches and in training.”
Runjaic admitted he is finally beginning to see the version of Okoye the club expected when they signed him.
“I’m seeing the Maduka I want to see, and I hope he puts in two great performances in his last two games as well,” he added.
Maduka Okoye. Photocredit: Getty Images
Okoye’s resurgence represents a significant turnaround after a difficult spell in England, where inconsistency, injuries and limited opportunities affected his development after leaving Sparta Rotterdam for Watford.
His move to Udinese initially arrived with modest expectations, but the 25-year-old has gradually established himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in Serie A this season.
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The Nigerian international was also recently cleared after an Italian court permanently dropped the betting-related fraud investigation hanging over him, bringing an end to months of uncertainty surrounding his future.
Runjaic believes the goalkeeper deserves enormous credit for the way he responded to adversity.
“If his stats are good, the whole teams are good too. I’m happy with the moment he’s going through; he’s a good guy, calm, introverted, and he’s also worked hard on his past,” the Udinese manager said.
