Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has expressed satisfaction after recording his seventh clean sheet of the season in Udinese’s goalless draw against Como on Monday.

Okoye, who recently returned to club duty after withdrawing from Nigeria’s friendly against Jordan due to a thigh injury, delivered a composed performance between the sticks. 

The 26-year-old made four crucial saves to help Udinese secure a valuable point, underlining his growing importance to the Serie A side.

Speaking after the game, Okoye commended the team’s collective effort, acknowledging that the match was a challenging one.

"I'm happy with the clean sheet, but especially with the point," Okoye said to Udinese's official website.

"They were strong; it wasn't easy, but we worked hard during the week and were ready."

He also highlighted the team’s tactical discipline, noting that Udinese adjusted their build-up play depending on the flow of the game and opted for a more cautious approach in the closing stages. 

"We always watch the game unfold to determine whether to build from the back or launch the ball. We didn't want to take any risks in the final stages, so we played long," he added. 

Okoye’s return to form follows a challenging start to the campaign, having served a suspension linked to a betting-related investigation earlier in the season. 

Since rejoining the squad in October, he has re-established himself as a key figure, producing consistent performances that have boosted Udinese’s defensive stability.

The Nigerian international has now kept seven clean sheets against notable Serie A opposition, including Atalanta, Parma, Napoli, AS Roma, Fiorentina, Genoa, and Como. 

Adeyemi Adewale