AFCON 2025
Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaic has lavished praise on Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye for a standout performance in Udinese Calcio’s narrow 1–0 home defeat to Juventus FC on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Despite the loss, which was decided by a 38th-minute strike from Jeremie Boga, Runjaic credited Okoye for keeping the Friulani in the contest until the final whistle.
“Okoye Saved Us”
Speaking to the club’s official website after the match, Runjaic was candid about the gap in quality between the two sides but singled out his goalkeeper’s heroics:
“Okoye saved us in several situations; we didn’t have many chances. Sometimes we make football difficult; Juventus is simply better than us,” Runjaic admitted.
“Juventus had more fans. Even today because it’s a global brand and one of the best teams in the world.
“I congratulate my team for never giving up, even though they had some difficulties at certain points in the match. When you win, everything is positive, but you have to look at the positive side even when you lose.” The coach added
The Nigerian international made a total of six crucial saves during the match, denying the likes of Manuel Locatelli, Kenan Yildiz, and Fabio Miretti. His performance was widely regarded as the best among the Udinese squad, preventing what could have been a much heavier scoreline against a Juventus side Runjaic described as a “global brand”.
