The Udinese goalkeeper redeemed a costly error by saving Adrián Bernabé’s penalty, helping the Zebras end a run of six straight Serie A defeats.
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Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has reflected on the penalty save that earned Udinese a 0-0 draw away to Parma in Serie A on Tuesday. The result ended a run of six straight league defeats for the Zebras.
Udinese went into the game desperate for a response in their fight to avoid relegation. Kosta Runjaic’s side created the better chances and had several opportunities to win it.
Okoye, though, had to be the hero. He fumbled a corner, and the ball then struck James Abankwah’s arm, which gave Parma a penalty.
Adrián Bernabé stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Okoye stopped it with an excellent save. Fans of Serie A can also grab this YOHAIG welcome link before the next round.
Okoye Takes the Award
The save earned Okoye the Man of the Match award. It was a quick recovery after a mistake that could have cost his team.
He told the club’s official website: “The penalty save was pure instinct.” He added that Udinese always want to win and need points, so one point away from home was fine.
He said the focus has already moved to the next game. He also pointed out that Udinese have been unlucky in recent matches.
Okoye also mentioned that Udinese have been missing players like Nicolò Zaniolo, whose importance was clear against Parma. Readers curious about betting promotions can read about what a Bet9ja promotion code is before the next round.
Fighting to Beat the Drop
Six defeats in a row had left Udinese in a difficult spot. The point against Parma is a welcome boost, even if it is only a draw.
Is one point enough to turn the season around? Not on its own, but Runjaic’s side showed they can create chances.
Okoye’s save may prove just as important as any goal. Relegation battles are often decided by small margins, and a point can matter at the end of the season.
Udinese host Roma on Saturday, October 31, in their next game. A repeat of the Parma performance, with a few more goals, would be a good start. Anyone planning a bet can check this Bet9ja bonus code primer first.
The Zebras will take confidence from the way they defended and from Okoye’s form. They will hope the goals come next.
For now, Udinese have stopped the slide. Okoye made sure of that.
📌 Did You Know?
- Okoye was born on August 28, 1999, and stands 6ft 6in tall.
- Udinese lost 1-0 at home to Parma in April 2026, when Nesta Elphege scored in the 51st minute.
- In September 2025, Udinese won 3-2 at Parma, with Florian Thauvin scoring twice.
- Udinese also won 2-0 at Parma in November 2025, with goals from Zaniolo and a Keinan Davis penalty.
- Okoye made five saves in Udinese’s 1-0 defeat to Napoli in May 2026.
