Maduka Okoye: We want to bring Udinese back to the top

Udinese of Italy first choice goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye has revealed the vision of the players and the coaches for the club after the Nigerian helped, in no small way, to help the Fruili to escape relegation to Serie B at the end of last season.

Okoye joined the club in August last year and supplanted Marco Silvestri as the first-choice goalie after keeping a clean sheet in his Serie A debut in the 3-0 defeat of Bologna in a matchday 18 game.

The Super Eagles goalie will be making his 23rd start in 23 games when the club hosts Lazio on Saturday and Okoye says the club is aiming for the top and win trophies.

‘We want to bring Udinese back to the top, return to compete for important goals. We will do everything we can to achieve this goal. We believe, we are a strong team, which wants to have an excellent championship,’ Okoye said when he met the fans during the outgoing week.

The Nigerian says he is mentally and physically ready for the new season.

‘Physically and mentally I feel very good. We have worked hard this month, we have pushed hard in preparation. I also did specific work with the goalkeeper coach. Coach Runjiac is a very good coach.

‘Now we have to put everything we have prepared in training on the field,’ he said and revealed why he extended his stay at the club till 2028.

‘I thank the club for the renewal, I am very happy to have extended. I think about improving myself day after day, without looking too far ahead. My goal is to win the three points against Lazio. Saturday will be an important match. Step by step the team and I want to get to the top.’