Udinese goalkeeping coach Alex Brunner has expressed confidence in Maduka Okoye’s ability to develop into a top-level goalkeeper despite the challenges the Nigerian international has faced away from the pitch.
Okoye was unavailable for selection in Udinese’s first six league matches of the 2025-26 season as he served a suspension for a betting-related offence.
The former Watford goalkeeper was named in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations but was a surprise omission from the final 28-man party that travelled to Morocco, amid speculation that he requested to be left out after receiving no guarantees over a starting place from manager Eric Chelle.
Okoye was swiftly reinstated as Udinese’s first choice goalkeeper after serving his betting ban and has since recorded four clean sheets in fourteen appearances this term.
Speaking on Okoye’s progress, Brunner acknowledged that off-field issues have not made the journey easy, but stressed that they should not be used as an excuse.
"Off-the-pitch vicissitudes certainly haven’t helped him. This shouldn’t be an excuse, but progress is not automatic. It takes time," he said on Udinese Tonight.
Brunner praised Okoye's physical attributes, describing him as an exceptional talent with all the tools needed to succeed at the highest level.
"He's an impressive physical talent. He has everything it takes to become a great goalkeeper. Sometimes, with the strength in his legs, he covers the net more than he should. It's unusual for a goalkeeper who stands 1.96 meters tall to have these physical qualities; he's very quick, even in low saves.
"Let's just say that nature has been generous with him. In Italy, when you make a mistake, the criticism is fierce; he suffers internally without ever showing it."
Brunner concluded by saying that Okoye was left on the bench for the matchday 18 clash with Como to show him that nothing is automatic and he must earn his place in the starting lineup.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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