Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has described his decisive penalty save as “pure instinct” after helping Udinese secure a 0-0 draw against Parma in Serie A on Wednesday.
The result ended Udinese’s run of six consecutive league defeats, with Maduka Okoye named Player of the Match for his performance.
The 26-year-old denied Parma midfielder Adrian Bernabé from the penalty spot in the 69th minute after Udinese defender James Abankwah was penalized for handball.
Maduka Okoye’s save proved crucial after he had failed to hold a corner earlier in the move that led to the penalty.
Speaking after the match, the Nigerian said Udinese were focused on collecting points and preparing for their next fixture.
“We always want to win and we need points. Today we got one, and that’s fine. Now we’re immediately focusing on the next one.
“The penalty save was pure instinct,” he said.
Maduka Okoye also acknowledged that injuries and the absence of key players had affected the team’s recent performances, highlighting Nicolò Zaniolo’s importance.
Udinese created several opportunities but failed to score, settling for a point that ended their losing streak.
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