Maduka Okoye Ready To Exchange Roles This Season With Two Goalkeepers At Udinese Of Italy
By Golden Page News | August 21, 2026
Nigerian goalkeeper welcomes competition from Piana and Padelli ahead of Serie A opener
Nigeria international goalkeeper Maduka Okoye says he is fully focused on delivering for Udinese as the 2026/27 Serie A season gets underway, despite facing competition for the No. 1 spot from youngsters Edoardo Piana and veteran Daniele Padelli.
Okoye, who turns 27 on August 28, has made it clear that competition within the Udinese goalkeeping department is something he welcomes rather than fears. The Nigerian shot-stopper believes the presence of two capable alternatives can help push everyone to a higher level.
His comments come amid continued speculation about his future, with reports previously linking him with bigger Serie A clubs. However, Okoye’s current position appears firmly centred on Udinese, where he remains part of coach Kosta Runjaic’s plans for the new campaign.
Okoye remains committed to Udinese
Udinese’s official squad list for the 2026/27 season confirms Okoye as the club’s No. 40 goalkeeper, with Padelli wearing No. 93 and Piana No. 99. All three were also included among the goalkeepers called up for the club’s pre-season training camp in Lienz.
Speaking about the goalkeeping competition, Okoye stressed that he sees Piana’s development and Padelli’s experience as assets to the team.
“We’re ready. We’ve worked so hard over the past few weeks, and we’re all pumped up for the start of the season. Personally, I want to give everything for Udinese and for our fans,” Okoye said, according to Tuttoudinese.
He added that the club’s goalkeeping department is in good hands, praising Piana’s potential while highlighting the experience Padelli brings to the squad.
Strong start to competitive season
Okoye has already given Runjaic a reason to trust him after starting Udinese’s opening competitive fixture of the season.
The Nigerian was in goal as Udinese defeated Padova 1-0 at the Bluenergy Stadium on August 15 to advance in the Coppa Italia. Keinan Davis scored the decisive goal in the 35th minute, while Okoye completed the match in goal. Padelli and Piana remained unused substitutes.
The result provided a positive start to Udinese’s competitive campaign ahead of their Serie A opener against Como on Saturday, August 22. The club’s schedule shows that the first league fixture will take place at the Bluenergy Stadium before Udinese travel to Monza on August 29.
Injury setback now behind him
Okoye’s pre-season preparations were briefly interrupted by a shoulder problem, but the goalkeeper returned to full team training earlier this month.
Tuttoudinese reported on August 7 that Okoye had resumed training with the squad after recovering from the shoulder issue, although Udinese opted not to rush him back into action during the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup. He subsequently returned to the starting XI against Padova in the Coppa Italia.
That return is particularly significant as Udinese prepare for another demanding Serie A campaign, with Okoye now entering the season fit and competing for regular playing time.
Okoye’s Udinese journey continues
Born in Düsseldorf, Germany, to Nigerian parents, Okoye joined Udinese from Watford in August 2023. The club initially announced a four-year contract for the goalkeeper, who had previously developed in Germany before gaining senior experience with Sparta Rotterdam and Watford.
His current Udinese contract runs through June 2028, according to current player data, meaning the club remains in control of his future despite any outside transfer interest.
Okoye has also established himself as an experienced Nigeria international, having made his senior debut against Brazil in 2019. His club career has included spells with Bayer Leverkusen, Fortuna Düsseldorf, Sparta Rotterdam and Watford before his move to Italy.
Focus now on Como
With Udinese’s Serie A opener against Como just one day away, Okoye’s immediate priority is clear: remain competitive for the starting position and help Udinese begin the campaign strongly.
Rather than viewing Piana and Padelli as threats, the Nigerian goalkeeper appears determined to use their presence as motivation.
For Okoye, the message is simple — competition for the gloves is healthy, but his ambition remains firmly tied to performing at his best for Udinese and their supporters throughout the new season.
