Runjaic Lauds Okoye After Udinese Victory Over Genoa

Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic praised the collective defensive resolve of his side, spotlighting Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, after a hard-fought 2-0 Serie A victory over Genoa, calling the contest one of the most intense of the season.

Second-half strikes from Jurgen Ekkelenkamp and Keinan Davis sealed the away win, with Udinese absorbing early pressure from the hosts before turning the tide.

Speaking on the club’s official website, Runjaic emphasised the disciplined performance that secured the clean sheet.

“Everyone defended well, from the attackers all the way up to Okoye. It was one of the most intense matches of the season,” he said.

The coach noted that Genoa’s high-energy start proved unsustainable, with his side remaining composed during decisive moments.

“They couldn’t maintain that level of energy throughout the match. We stayed focused, and in the end, we could have even done better in transition,” he added.

The strong showing comes at a pivotal moment for Okoye, who missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations but has since earned a recall to Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad for upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan in Antalya, Turkey, later this month.