Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has extended his stay at Udinese until 2028, the club announced on Tuesday.
Following rumours linking the 25-year-old with a move away from the Stadio Friuli, Okoye’s new contract puts an end to such speculations.
Okoye joined Udinese from sister club Watford in August 2023, and since then, he has established himself as one of the leading goalkeepers in the Italian Serie A.
The club statement which was released on their official website read: “Maduka Okoye has renewed his contract with Udinese Calcio, which means the Nigerian goalkeeper will be tied to the club until 30 June 2028.
“Maduka, who arrived in Friuli in summer 2023, played a central role over last season and consistently showed his high standards, making him one of the best performing goalkeepers in the league.
“Through renewing his contract, both Okoye and the club have shown their desire to continue this journey together with even more enthusiasm and ambition.”
The Nigerian international played 21 times in the Serie A last season, keeping five clean sheets and conceding 20 goals. He faced 90 shots in the league and made 65 saves.
Okoye’s impressive performances earned him a return to the Super Eagles squad, as he was called up in June for Nigeria’s games against South Africa and Benin Republic in the African Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former Watford shotstopper has featured 16 times for Nigeria since he made his debut in 2019 in a friendly against Brazil.
Okoye, who has established himself as Udinese’s No. 1, was in goal in their Serie A opener on Sunday, when they held Bologna to a 1-1 draw at the Rebato Dall’Ara Stadium.
