Former Udinese goalkeeper Gigi Turci has delivered a strong assessment of Maduka Okoye as the Super Eagles shot-stopper prepares for another season with the Serie A club.
Okoye has returned to pre-season training with Udinese ahead of the new campaign after establishing himself as one of the club’s most important players last season.
The 26-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign, making several crucial saves and helping the team secure important results in Serie A.
The Nigerian goalkeeper’s performances earned praise for his consistency, physical presence and ability to make decisive interventions, with Okoye featuring regularly as Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper.
He recorded multiple clean sheets during the season and played a key role in the club’s defensive efforts.
However, Turci believes Okoye still has areas of his game that require improvement as he looks to continue as Udinese’s main goalkeeper.
Speaking about the Super Eagles star, Turci highlighted his physical qualities but questioned aspects of his technical ability.
"He's physically impressive, but his technique isn't complete. Without Sava and Nunziante behind him, we need a second," he said as quoted by Messaggeroveneto.
After assessing Okoye’s strengths and the areas where he believes the goalkeeper still needs improvement, Turci insisted that the Super Eagles star must now justify his position at the club. "Now he has to prove himself," he added.
Despite the criticism, Okoye’s progress at Udinese has been notable since joining the club.
The Nigerian international has grown into a reliable presence between the posts and will now aim to prove that he can continue improving while addressing the concerns raised by the former Serie A goalkeeper.
Wale Adejumo
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