Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been nominated for the Serie A Player of the Month award for May 2026 following a series of impressive performances for Udinese.
The Nigerian shot-stopper has enjoyed an outstanding campaign in Italy, emerging as one of the league’s most consistent goalkeepers this season.
Okoye has kept 10 clean sheets in 28 Serie A appearances, becoming the first Nigerian goalkeeper since former Super Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama in the 2014/15 season to record double-digit clean sheets in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
The 26-year-old earned the nomination after producing back-to-back clean sheets in Udinese’s recent 2-0 victories over Torino and Cagliari.
His performances have played a major role in helping Udinese maintain a comfortable position in mid-table and avoid any relegation worries this season.
Okoye’s impressive form comes after a difficult start to the campaign, having missed six matches due to a two-month suspension connected to an alleged betting-related fraud investigation.
However, the case was later dismissed after betting company Snaitech withdrew its complaint, with an Italian court officially clearing the Nigerian goalkeeper of any wrongdoing.
Since returning to action in October 2025, Okoye has firmly established himself as Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper, earning praise for his sharp reflexes, composure and commanding presence in goal.
His performances in Italy have also strengthened his position in the Super Eagles squad, where he continues to battle Stanley Nwabali for Nigeria’s number one spot.
The winner of the Serie A Player of the Month award is expected to be announced later in May, with Okoye set to feature in Udinese’s final league game against Cremonese before the decision is revealed.
