‘Mistakes Are Part of the Game, But We Must Learn’: Okoye Reflects on Penalty Save and Costly Error Vs Bologna

Maduka Okoye reflected candidly after his side’s defeat to Bologna, acknowledging both the positives and the shortcomings of his performance. The Nigerian goalkeeper saved his first penalty in Serie A, but admitted that his mistake on Bologna’s second goal overshadowed the moment.

‘I’m happy about the penalty save, but not about the game overall,’ Okoye said. ‘We started well, but this is football. I made an important save, then a mistake that cost us. We have to move forward, analyse what we did well and what we didn’t.’

Okoye also addressed criticism of his team’s defensive record, insisting that their risk-taking style of play is part of their identity.

‘Are we the worst defense? We often take risks, that’s our football. Sometimes we win like this, sometimes we lose. We have to improve defensively, starting with me.’

The goalkeeper stressed the importance of learning from errors and maintaining unity.

‘Mistakes are part of the game, but we must reduce them. It’s important to learn from them. In football, the result is the most important thing, but we also want to play well. We have to stay united and focus on the next match.’