Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye delivered another composed performance as Udinese CF stunned Atalanta BC 1–0 on Saturday, ending the visitors’ unbeaten run in the Italian Serie A.
The decisive moment came in the 40th minute when Nicolo Zaniolo struck home from close range after a fine move down the left by Hassane Kamara, sealing Udinese’s fourth win of the season at the Bluenergy Stadium.
Okoye, making his third consecutive start since returning from suspension, recorded a vital clean sheet and looked confident between the sticks throughout the game. The Super Eagles goalkeeper was rarely troubled but commanded his area impressively, helping the Zebrette climb further away from the relegation zone.
On the other side, Atalanta coach Ivan Jarić raised eyebrows after choosing to bench Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman, who had scored a stunning goal against AC Milan in midweek. The decision backfired as Atalanta struggled to create clear chances in the first half and conceded the only goal of the match before halftime.
Lookman was introduced in the second half but could not inspire a comeback, as Okoye and the Udinese defence stood firm under pressure.
The defeat marked Atalanta’s first Serie A loss of the 2025/26 season, ending a nine-match unbeaten streak (W2, D7).
For Okoye, the performance further strengthens his claim as Udinese’s undisputed No.1, with the Nigerian shot-stopper now boasting three clean sheets in four appearances since his return.
As Udinese celebrate a morale-boosting victory, attention turns to next weekend — can Maduka Okoye continue his fine form, and will Ademola Lookman be restored to Atalanta’s starting lineup to reignite their title push?