Okoye needs to step up, says former Udinese keeper

Former Udinese goalkeeper Gigi Turci has said that Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye still needs to work on some parts of his game. This is despite him being the first-choice goalkeeper for Udinese, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

Okoye recently joined his teammates for pre-season training with Udinese for the 2026/27 season. He had a good last season where he made many important saves and kept 10 clean sheets, helping the club achieve key results in Serie A.

But Turci thinks Okoye has more to do. He spoke to Messaggero Veneto and praised Okoye’s physical abilities but said his technical skills still need improvement.

“He’s physically impressive, but his technique isn’t complete. Without Sava and Nunziante behind him, we need a second,” Turci said.

Turci also mentioned that the 26-year-old must show he deserves to be Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper. He said, “Now he has to prove himself.”

Despite this criticism, Okoye has made good progress since he joined Udinese. He is expected to keep his spot as the goalkeeper for the new season.

The Super Eagles goalkeeper will now have the chance to prove Turci wrong with his performances as Udinese kicks off the new Serie A season.