Super Eagles keeper Okoye powerless, Success injured again as Udinese squander chance to seal Serie A safety

Maduka Okoye and Udinese have won just one of 19 matches at home this season (Photo Credit: Imago)

Super Eagles keeper Okoye powerless, Success injured again as Udinese squander chance to seal Serie A safety

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 16:23 - 19.05.2024

Udinese struggles at home continued against fellow relegation candidates Empoli with Super Eagles duo Maduka Okoye, Isaac Success involved.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye could only watch on as Udinese squandered a golden chance to secure their Serie A status after being held 1-1 at home by fellow strugglers Empoli.

In a match where three Nigerians started, Okoye was joined by Isaac Success and Nigeria-eligible defender Kingsley Ehizibue for the crunch relegation six-pointer.

Maduka Okoye and Super Eagles stars at Udinese 

Udinese's survival bid was rocked early on in the match when Success was forced off with injury after just seven minutes.

Despite dominating for large spells, the home side lacked a cutting edge, with substitute Keinan Davis missing a guilt-edged chance to break the deadlock after the break.

Udinese will need Maduka Okoye in the final game of the season next weekend.
Udinese will need Maduka Okoye in the final game of the season next weekend.

And they were made to pay for their profligacy when Empoli were awarded a late penalty, converted by Senegal striker M’Baye Niang despite Okoye getting a hand to the effort.

The drama was far from over, however, as Udinese were then handed a lifeline of their own from the spot after a long VAR check, with Lazar Samardzic keeping his cool to level and ensure the relegation scrap goes down to the final day.

While a point edges them closer to safety, the missed opportunity will be a bitter pill to swallow for Okoye and his Nigerian teammates, with their Serie A status still hanging precariously in the balance.

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