Maduka Okoye: Big error, penalty save, plus 3 goals conceded as Super Eagles goalkeeper struggles in Udinese vs Bologna

Maduka Okoye had one of his poorer performances in goal for Udinese, as he conceded three goals, one of which was from his error, in Udinese's 3-0 defeat to Bologna.

The 26-year-old returned to Udinese's starting line-up immediately after his ban elapsed. He has had strong performances since his return, especially during the defeat to Juventus, leading to calls for his reinstatement as the Super Eagles' first-choice goalie.

However, his performance against Bologna showed his quality, as seen in the penalty he saved, and that he has yet to reach his pre-ban form. Also, it showed that he is prone to making errors from time to time.

In the first half, chances were slim, but the tension was high. Maduka Okoye had an important intervention in the 41st minute when Orsolini stepped up to take a penalty after Giacomo Bonaventura shoved Orsolini inside the box. Okoye got down in time to parry the shot to his right and kept Udinese’s deficit at zero at the break.

However, the hosts’ rhythm immediately unravelled after the restart. In the 54th minute, a slick Bologna counter from the left ended with Orsolini’s run finding Pobega, who bent a low finish into the bottom corner from eight yards. 

Then, in the 59th minute, Okoye received a back-pass under pressure and tried to clear with his right foot, but instead the ball skidded off his studs; Bologna’s Nico Domínguez seized the loose ball, lay-off to Pobega, and he drilled in from the edge of the box.

As time wound down, Udinese pushed forward and left gaps. In stoppage time, Bernardeschi collected a loose pass in midfield, drove at pace and slipped his finish past Okoye to seal the game at 3–0 for Bologna.