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Udinese head coach Kosta Runjaić has praised Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye following his impressive return from injury in the 1-0 victory over Padova in the Coppa Italia on Saturday night. The Nigeria international, who enjoyed a brilliant campaign last season, had been struggling with an injury in recent weeks before making his return at the Bluenergy Stadium. Okoye produced a solid display between the posts to help the White and Blacks secure a clean sheet and progress with a narrow victory. Speaking after the game, Runjaić praised the goalkeeper's performance while urging his players to remain focused ahead of their next challenge. “Okoye was playing his first game back from injury and kept a clean sheet. The overall record is good, but we don't want to get too excited; we need to stay focused ahead of the Como match,” Runjaić was quoted as saying by Udinese's official website, Okoye enjoyed an impressive campaign last season despite a difficult start after serving a suspension related to a sports betting case. The Super Eagles goalkeeper missed the opening six matches of the campaign but went on to keep 10 clean sheets and concede 32 goals in 30 league appearances as Udinese finished tenth. Ahead of the start of the 2026/2027 campaign, Okoye will be keen to build on his positive return, maintain his fitness and continue his impressive performances for the Italian club. Adeyemi Adewale