Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye made three saves as Udinese secured a dramatic 3-2 away victory over AC Monza in Saturday’s Serie A encounter, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.
Okoye conceded twice during the contest, with Andrea Colpani and Gustavo Varela finding the net for the hosts, but the Nigerian shot-stopper produced several important interventions to help Udinese withstand Monza’s strong second-half pressure and claim maximum points.
Udinese took the lead against the run of play after Mout lost possession in midfield. Following several blocked attempts, Jakub Piotrowski was afforded too much time and space inside the box and calmly fired home from 12 yards.
Monza eventually got their deserved equaliser when Colpani beat the offside trap from an inspired pass by Mangas before keeping his composure to round off the move and beat Okoye one-on-one.
The hosts continued to push after the restart, but Udinese regained control and eventually secured the victory in an entertaining five-goal encounter.
Elsewhere, Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro featured for Monza after coming on for Mout in the 54th minute. The youngster put in a decent performance as the home side pushed unsuccessfully for a comeback.
The result gives Okoye and Udinese valuable points on the road, while Monza will be left disappointed after failing to convert their second-half pressure into at least a share of the spoils.