Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic praised his team’s collective defensive effort and singled out Maduka Okoye following their 2-0 Serie A away victory over Genoa.

Second-half goals from Jurgen Ekkelenkamp and Keinan Davis secured the result, as Udinese claimed a long-awaited win in the fixture despite facing early pressure from the hosts.

Speaking after the match, Runjaic highlighted the collective discipline of his side, emphasizing the contribution of every player, including goalkeeper Okoye, in securing the clean sheet.

The Udinese coach was quoted as saying by the club's official website, “Everyone defended well, from the attackers all the way up to Okoye. It was one of the most intense matches of the season.” 

Runjaic acknowledged the physical demands of the contest, noting that sustaining such intensity throughout was challenging, but praised his team’s focus in key moments.

He stated, “They couldn't maintain that level of energy throughout the match. We stayed focused and in the end we could have even done better in transition.”

Okoye’s impressive performance comes shortly after his return to international consideration.

The Super Eagles goalkeeper, who missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, has now been recalled to the squad for upcoming international friendlies against Iran and Jordan in Antalya, Turkey later this month.