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Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaić has expressed confidence that Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye can become one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A despite his recent injury setback. The Nigerian goalkeeper enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign despite a difficult start, missing the opening six Serie A matches due to a suspension linked to a betting investigation. Okoye bounced back strongly on his return, ending the season with 10 clean sheets while conceding 32 goals in 30 league appearances. Speaking during his press conference ahead of the preseason clash against Mainz on Saturday, Runjaić provided an update on Okoye's condition. The coach revealed that the Nigerian shot-stopper sustained an injury but praised his impressive performances at the end of last season. "Unfortunately, he got injured," Runjaić said via Tuttomercatoweb. “But we saw what he gave at the end of last season.” He insisted that the club remains confident in his abilities, adding that Okoye's immediate focus is to regain full fitness “We are confident that he can continue and that he can become one of the strongest goalkeepers in Serie A. Now he needs to get back to fitness." Ahead of the new season, Runjaić will be eager for Okoye to regain full fitness as Udinese look to build on their 10th-place finish from last season. Adeyemi Adewale