Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye delivered a candid assessment after Udinese were denied a famous victory in a pulsating 3-3 draw against Lazio in their Serie A Round 34 clash, as a stoppage-time equaliser at the Stadio Olimpico left the visitors with mixed emotions.

In a contest defined by relentless twists, Udinese struck first through Kingsley Ehizibue, whose powerful effort set the tone for an assertive display from the visitors.

Lazio responded after the interval, with Luca Pellegrini ending his long wait for a goal in style before Pedro curled home to put the hosts ahead for the first time on the night.

The drama intensified in the closing stages as Arthur Atta emerged as a central figure, converting from close range to level matters before striking again in stoppage time to seemingly seal a memorable win for Udinese.

However, there was to be one final turn, as Daniel Maldini reacted quickest in the dying seconds to restore parity and snatch a point for Lazio.

Reflecting on the outcome, Okoye acknowledged the immediate disappointment of conceding so late, particularly after his side had fought back to reclaim control in the final moments.

He admitted the result felt like a missed opportunity, despite the difficulty of the fixture.

“Now the feeling is more of a two-point drop, but tomorrow we’ll realize we’ve earned an important point away to Lazio, which isn’t easy. We’re disappointed now, but we have to move forward,” Okoye told the club’s official website.

The goalkeeper further captured the emotional rhythm of the encounter, noting how both teams experienced periods of dominance in a match that delivered for spectators but tested the resilience of those on the pitch.

“This is football; we were both behind and ahead, and it’s a shame about the goal conceded at the end. It was a good match for the spectators. In the coming days, we’ll see where we need to improve,” he added.

While the late setback will linger, Udinese’s performance emphasized their growing confidence on the road, even as Lazio’s persistence ensured the final word belonged to the hosts in a truly unforgettable encounter.

Wale Adejumo