Maduka Okoye saves a shot from Jamie Vardy. Cremonese vs Udinese (Photo credit: Imago)

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye played his first game of the season for Udinese in their 1-1 draw against Cremonese at the Stadio Giovani Zini on Monday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Last season, Okoye was put under the searchlight for betting-related offences. But after an investigation that spanned months, he was cleared of any wrongdoing. However, he was banned for two months for fairplay infringements.

The Super Eagles goalie finally returned to action for Udinese, when they locked horns with Cremonese on Monday.

He had a rough start, as he conceded after just four minutes, off a goal from Filippo Terracciano. Udinese bounced back quite well after that, as they took the game to Cremonese.

Nicolo Zaniolo eventually scored the equalizer for the Bianconeri after 51 minutes. It ended that way after 90 minutes.

Maduka Okoye had a decent day in the office, even as Cremonese dominated the play and created more chances. He made two saves in the game, had one high claim, with a 76% pass accuracy.

However, the goal he conceded could have been averted by a top goalkeeper. It came off a point blank header. But even though it was close, it was straight at him, and he could have punched the ball out if he had reacted quicker.

There was also situation in the first half, when he tried to claim a the ball from a cross. But he mistimed it, and his team was nearly punished.

Okoye highlight was in the 58th minute, when he made a great save in a one-on-one situation with Cremonese man Jamie Vardy.

Asides from the goal he conceded, it was a decent outing. His mistakes could be excused, as he had not played a competitive game for over five months.

Okoye will be looking to improve in the coming weeks. Next up for Udinese is a home game against Lecce in the Serie A.

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